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REPO 


BOARD  FOR  EXAMINATION^ 


OF 


BREECH-LOADING  MILITARY  SMALL  ARMS. 


STATE  OF  NEW  YORK. 


>  •     i       3  •» 


i  J    >     >      V         J 


ALBANY: 

WEED,  PARSONS  &  COMPANY,  PRINTERS. 
1867. 


/Ky 


REPORT- 


NEW  YOEK  STATE  ARSENAL,  ^ 

New  York  City,  April  6,  1867.  \ 

To  Brigadier-General  S.  E.  Marvest, 

Adjiitcmt-Ge7ieral,  Albany,  N.  Y. : 

The  Board  of  Officers,  convened  under  Special  Order 
No.  2,  dated  January  10,  1867,  make  the  following 

EEPOET, 

in  accordance  with  the  following  orders  : 

General  Head-quaetees,  State  of  New  York 
Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Albany,  October  10,  1866. 

Special  Orders,  "| 
No.  322.        J 

The  following  named  officers  are  hereby  appointed  a  com- 
mission to  make  examination  and  trial  of  the  recent  inventions 
and  improvements  in  breech-loading  military  small  arms,  and 
especially  of  such  inventions  and  improvements  as  have  been 
made  for  alterations  of  the  muzzle-loading  militaiy  arms  now 
in  use,  viz. : 

Brigadier-General  William  Irvine,  Adjutant-General. 

Brigadier-General  George  W.  Palmer,  Commissary-General 
of  Ordnance. 

Colonel  "William  G.  Ward,  Twelfth  Eegiment  National 
Guard. 

Colonel  George  M.  Baker,  Seventy-fourth  Eegiment  Na- 
tional Guard, 

Colonel  Silas  W.  Burt,  Assistant  Inspector-General. 


The  said  Board  will  convene  at  such  time  and  place,  and  as 
often  as  circumstances  may  require,  and  make  such  tests  and 
exper:rjeats  a^sti^ll  be  calculated  to  prove  the  superiority  of 
the  difierent  inventions  and  improvements  which  shall  be 
'tf&eted  fo'-  exandnation  and  trial,  and  make  report  thereof  with 
all  convenient  dispatch. 

By  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief, 

William  Irvine,  Adjutant-General. 


General  Head-quaetees,  State  of  New  York, 
Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Albany,  November  29,  1866.   $) 

Special  Orders, ' 
No.  361. 

The  Board  of  Officers,  organized  by  Special  Order  No.  322, 
current  series,  to  examine  and  test  the  inventions  and  improve- 
ments in  breech-loading  military  small  arms,  of  which  Briga- 
dier-General "William  Irvine,  Adjutant-General,  is  j)resident,  is 
hereby  ordered  to  convene  at  the  State  Arsenal,  corner  of 
Thirty-fifth  street  and  Seventh  avenue,  in  the  City  of  New 
York,  on  the  18th  day  of  December  next,  1866. 

By  order  of  the  Commander-in-chief, 

Jno.  B.  Stonehouse,  Assistant  Adjutant- General. 


The  officers  therein  named  assembled  at  the  State  Arsenal 
at  New  York  City  on  the  18th  day  of  December,  1866,  and 
continued  their  sessions  on  the  19th,  20th,  21st,  22d  and  24th 
days  of  the  same  month,  all  the  members  being  present.  A 
number  of  arms  were  presented  and  subjected  to  a  few  tests, 
and  on  the  24th  day  of  December  the  Board,  in  reporting  pro- 
gress to  the  Commander-in-Chief,  submitted  the  following  re- 
commendation : 

"  In  conclusion,  the  Board  would  respectfully  represent  that 
as  there  are  many  improvements  being  made  in  breech-loading 
arms,  which  may  present  new  and  desirable  features,  and  as 
the  Board  feel  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  they  have  not  had 


such  full  time  and  opportunity  to  make  such  examination  in 
the  premises  as  would  be  desirable,  it  respectfully  recommends 
that  further  tests  and  examinations  be  ordered." 

Appreciating  the  representations  made  by  the  Board,  the 
Commander-in-Chief  caused  the  followino;  order  to  be  made : — 


'to 


General  Head-quarters,  State  of  New  York, 
Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Albany,  January  10,  1867. 

Special  Orders, ") 

No.  2.         J 

The  Board  appointed  by  Special  Order  ISTo.  322,  for  the  "  ex- 
amination and  trial  of  the  recent  improvements  and  inventions 
in  the  breech-loading  military  small  arms,  and  especially  of 
such  inventions  and  improvements  as  have  been  made  for  alter- 
ations of  the  muzzle-loading  military  arms  now  in  use,"  will 
re-conveno  at  the  State  Arsenal  on  the  22d  inst.,  at  10  A.  M., 
to  continue  the  examination  of  such  arms  as  may  be  brought 
before  it. 

The  following  officers  comprise  the  Board  : 

Brigadier-General  George  AV.  Pahuer,  Commissary-General 
of  Ordnance. 

Brigadier-General  William  G.  "Ward,  commanding  First 
Brigade,  National  Guard. 

Colonel  George  M.  Baker,  commanding  Seventy-fourth  Regi- 
ment, National  Guard. 

Colonel  Silas  W.  Burt,  Assistant  Inspector-General. 

Brigadier-General  AVilliam  Irvine  retiring  on  account  of  the 
expiration  of  his  term  of  ofKce. 

The  Board  will  meet  from  time  to  time,  as  circumstances 
may  require,  and  after  their  examination  shall  have  been  con- 
cluded, make  a  full  report  of  their  investigations,  with  such 
recommendations  as  they  may  deem  proper,  to  these  head- 
quarters. 

By  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief, 

S.  E.  Marvin,  Adjutant- General. 


6 

In  pursuance  whereof,  the  officers  therein  named  assembled 
on  the  date  and  at  the  place  ordered,  having  previously  given, 
by  publication  of  the  order  in  the  leading  journals  of  New- 
York  city,  such  notice  as  would  secure  a  full  representation  of 
the  most  approved  breech-loading  arms  yet  devised.  The 
Board  held  sessions  on  the  22d,  23d,  24th,  25th,  26th,  28th, 
29th,  and  30th  days  of  January,  the  19th,  20th,  21st,  22d,  23d, 
25th,  26tli,  27th,  and  28th  days  of  February,  the  4th,  5th,  6th, 
12th,  29th,  and  30th  days  of  March,  and  the  6th  day  of  April. 

It  being  ascertained  that  all  the  arms  entered  at  the  Decem- 
ber session  would  be  again  presented,  subject  to  such  renewed 
and  additional  trials  as  might  be  established,  it  was,  in  view  of 
the  unsatisfactory  results  of  the  December  trials,  owing  to  want 
of  time  and  preparation,  deemed  best  to  disregard  those  results, 
and  commence  de  novo. 

In  establishing  a  programme  of  examination,  after  extended 
consideration,  it  was  concluded  to  confine  the  tests  to  such  as 
would  have  a  practical  relation  to  the  results  in  actual  service. 
ISTor  was  it  deemed  necessary  to  consider,  the  conditions  of 
twist  and  form  of  groove,  or  trajectory  and  accuracy  at  long 
range,  all  of  which  affect  or  are  affected  by  the  barrel  simply. 
Neither  was  any  limit  fixed  as  to  weight  of  arm,  length  and 
calibre  of  barrel,  character  of  lock  or  ammunition,  but  these  sev- 
eral points  were  noted  in  each  arm  and  their  merits  and 
demerits  taken  into  consideration.  It  therefore  remained  to 
subject  the  breech  mechanism  and  appendages  to  such  tests  and 
examinations  as  would  fully  develop  th(v  qualities  of  those 
parts,  and  the  following  programme  was  adopted  for  all  arms, 
converted  and  original  single  loading  guns,  as  well  as  U.ugazine 
arms : 

1st  Test.  Strength  of  breech  mechanism,  or  resistance  to  recoil 
and  continued  service — to  be  tested  by  firing  rapidly  one  hundred 
rounds — Avith  at  least  sixty  grains  of  government  powder  (stand- 
ard strength)  and  four  hundi'ed  and  fifty  grains  of  lead  for 
muskets  and  rifles,  and  forty-five  grains  of  powder  and  three 
hundred  and  fifty  grains  of  lead  for  carbines — ninety-nine  rounds 
w'^'i  one  ball  and  the  one  hundredth  round  with  two  balls ;  the 
4  »n  to  be  fired  from  a  fixed  rest.  The  time  expended  in  firing 
the  ninetv-nine  rounds  will  be  recorded. 


2d  Test.  Penetration, — to  be  tested  by  firing  one  cartridge  of 
sixty  grains  of  powder  (standard  government  strength)  and  four 
hundred  and  fifty  grains  of  lead,  into  a  target  of  pine  boards,  one 
inch  in  thickness  and  placed  one  inch  apart ;  at  a  range  of  one 
hundred  feet.  When  there  is  used  a  larger  charge  or  different 
quality  of  powder,  or  greater  weiglit  of  ball,  or  hardened  by  alloy 
of  other  metals  than  lead,  these  matters  will  be  taken  into  consid- 
eration. 

3d  Test.  Rapidity  of  fire  from  the  shoulder  at  a  target,  with 
range  of  one  hundred  feet.  Each  arm  to  be  fired  by  some  person 
designated  by  the  Board.  The  accuracy  of  fire  will  be  consid- 
ered in  this  test.  In  addition,  each  exhibitor  will  be  allowed  to 
select  a  person  to  fire  his  arm  for  rapidity. 

4th  Test.  Simplicity  of  mechanism  and  liabilities  to  derange- 
ment in  ordinary  service. 

5tii  Test.  Liabilities  to  derangement  by  accidents  common  to 
the  service  or  by  defects  in  the  ammunition. 

Gtii  Test.  Security  against  premature  discharge  or  loss  of  cart- 
ridixc  from  the  loaded  arm  in  service. 

7tii  Test.  Least  obstruction  to  execution  of  the  manual  of 
arms,  arising  from  peculiar  mechanism  of  the  breech-piece  and 
appendages. 

8th  Test.  Effects  of  moisture  upon  the  action  of  the  breech- 
piece.  The  arms  will  be  subjected  to  the  alternate  action  of 
moisture  and  exposure  to  the  air,  under  the  exclusive  direction  of 
the  Board  and  for  such  time  as  tliey  may  consider  satisfactory. 

9tii  Test.  Effects  of  the  introduction  of  extraneous  matter 
(sand  etc.,)  into  the  open  breech. 

IOtii  Test.  The  different  arms  shall  be  exhibited  by  a  distribu- 
tion of  the  several  parts  and  reassembling  them,  the  time  of  each 
operation  being  noted,  at  the  same  time  the  functions  of  the  several 
parts  will  be  explained  by  the  exhibitor. 

Some  explanatory  remarks  in  regard  to  these  several  tests  are 
necessar}^  to  a  full  comprehension  of  the  record  of  the  several 
arms,  and  will  materially  abridge  that  record  by  obviating 
repetition : 

1st.  In  testing  the  resistance  of  tlie  breech-piece  to  recoil,  the 
system  of  many  charges  of  ordinary  size,  fired  continuously  and 
rapidly,  was  deemed  preferable  to  largely  increased  charges  of 
powder  and  lead,  as  being  more  in  accordance  with  the  trial  of 


T- 


8 

actual  service.  It  is  one  of  the  valuable  peculiarities  of  tlie 
breech-loading  system  that  no  more  than  one  charge  can  be 
contained  in  the  gun,  and  until  that  is  discharged  it  is  impossi- 
ble to  insert  another.  In  service,  the  arm  will  have  to  sustain 
simply  the  test  of  service  charges  frequently  fired — the  ultimate 
resistance  being  a  single  charge  exi^elled  through  a  foul  barrel. 
Seldom,  if  ever,  will  the  discharges  in  actual  service  reach  one 
hundred  without  opportunity  of  cleaning  the  barrel.  But  to 
simulate  the  action  of  further  discharges  a  second  ball  was 
superadded  on  the  one  hundredth  round.  By  firing  the  hun- 
dred rounds  as  rapidly  as  possible,  the  effects  of  a  heated  barrel 
were  also  obtained,  while  rapidity  of  movement  detected  any 
special  disadvantages  in  the  operation  of  the  breech  machinery. 
Imperfect  lubrication  in  the  cartridges  subjected  the  Lamson 
and  Hubbell  guns  to  extraordinary  tests,  as  will  be  noticed  by 
the  record,  and  induced  the  Board  to  investigate  more  carefully 
the  matter  of  ammunition  as  a  most  important  element  in  the 
proposition  to  be  solved. 

2d.  Penetration  depending  as  much,  if  not  more,  on  the 
ammunition  than  the  gun,  the  relative  results  are  unimport- 
ant, as  different  kinds  of  cartridges  were  used,  but  the  general 
result  is  satisfactory  ;  and,  indeed,  there  is  no  reason  why  a 
breech-loader  with  metallic  cartridge  case  should  not  equal  in 
penetration  a  muzzle-loader  with  same  barrel,  both  being  loaded 
with  similar  charges.  This  test  was  principally  valuable 
in  ascertaining  quality  of  the  ammunition  used  by  each 
exhibitor. 

3d.  In  firing  for  rapidity  it  was  deemed  proper  to  make 
accuracy  so  much  of  an  element  as  would  induce  an  aim  over 
the  sights.  Rapidity  without  aim  has  no  practical  value.  Each 
arm  was  fired  for  this  test  at  the  public  sessions  by  some  person 
designated  by  the  inventor,  the  target  being  15^  inches  in 
diameter.  But  to  place  all  upon  the  same  level,  at  the  private 
sessions  of  the  Board  the  arms  were  fired  by  privates  from  the 
National  Guard,  who  had  never  handled  a  breech-loader  before,  «n 
and  were  given  before  firing  five  minutes  to  examine  and  work  "^ 
the  gun,  after  having  the  mechanism  explained  by  a  member  of 
the  Board. 


LL 


9 

The  4th,  7th  and  lOth  points  of  the  programme  were  also 
examined  at  the  private  sessions,  and  any  defective  or  objection- 
able parts  noted. 

The  5th  point  had  in  view  the  stability  of  the  arm  as  a 
whole  to  resist  the  rough  nsage  of  active  service,  the  possibility 
of  exploding  cartridges  in  the  magazine  of  a  repeating  arm,  and 
also  the  stability  of  the  piece  and  the  immunity  of  the  person 
firing  if  the  cartridge  case  should  burst  at  the  head  or  split  in 
the  cylindrical  part.  To  test  the  result  of  such  defects  in  the 
ammunition,  each  gun  was  fired  with  the  proper  cartridges 
filed  on  the  rim  of  the  head,  so  as  to  burst  with  the  explo- 
sion ;  other  cartridges  were  filed  or  cut  longitudinally,  so  as 
to  split  when  fired.  These  tests  were  deemed  very  important 
by  the  Board ;  for  while  improved  machinery  has  produced  a 
more  perfect  cartridge,  it  is  not  only  possible,  but  probable,  that, 
in  the  manufacture  of  large  quantities,  imperfect  cases  will  not 
be  detected,  no  matter  how  carefully  the  metal  may  be  inspected. 
In  the  rim-fire  cartridge  there  is  also  danger  of  an  excess  of 
fulminate. 

In  the  determination  of  the  8th  point,  the  efiects  of  moisture, 
the  arms  were  carefully  cleaned  and  the  working  parts  thor- 
oughly washed  with  a  strong  solution  of  caustic  soda  to  remove 
every  trace  of  grease ;  they  were  then  placed  side  by  side  on  a 
rack  and  occasionally  moistened  with  snow  water,  being  allowed 
to  dry  in  the  intervals,  this  being  continued  for  thirty-six  hours, 
after  which  common  salt  was  dissolved  in  the  water  used,  and 
the  operation  continued  for  twenty-four  hours.  The  arms  were 
then  thoroughly  dried  before  being  tested.  This  experiment 
may  be  considered  severe  as  compared  with  any  j)robable  expo- 
sure to  moisture  in  service  without  protection  by  grease  or 
opportunity  to  clean  the  arm.  But  the  pieces  being  new  and 
clean,  and  many  of  the  parts  polished  and  case-hardened,  it 
was  only  by  an  exposure  so  thorough  that  all  the  possible  con- 
tingencies of  future  service  could  be  reached.  When  in  this 
test  it  was  found  that  rust  impaired  the  action  of  any  portion 
of  the  gun,  it  was  in  every  case  attempted  to  overcome  it  by 
simply  working  the  parts,  and  if  this  failed,  oil  was  applied  and 
worked  in  until  the  rust  was  softened. 
2 


10 

The  9tli  Test  was  intended  to  stimulate  tlie  conditions  possi- 
ble in  the  explosion  of  shells  casting  showers  of  sand  and  earth 
over  troops,  or  of  riflemen  in  pits  or  trenches,  in  all  of  which 
contingencies  sand  and  dirt  might  fall  into  the  open  breech 
and  possibly  disable  the  arm.  In  the  test,  the  breech  of  each 
gun,  immediately  after  firing,  and  consequently  fouled  and 
greasy,  was  opened  and  a  handful  of  fine  dry  white  sand 
thrown  into  the  breech  and  connected  machinery.  The  exhibi- 
tor was  then  allowed  to  remove  the  sand  without  the  use  of 
instruments,  by  percussion  and  wiping  oft'  the  parts  with  the 
fingers,  the  piece  was  then  loaded,  if  possible,  and  discharged, 
and  the  ejection  of  the  case  noted. 

In  further  explanation  of  the  descriptions  of  arms  and  record 
of  tests  it  may  be  noted  that  the  '*  length  of  barrel "  denotes 
the  distance  from  the  muzzle  to  the  face  of  breech-block  when 
breech  is  closed.  The  weight  of  arms  is  given  in  pounds  and 
ounces  avoirdupois. 

In  the  description  is  noted  that  the  arm  as  presented  was 
adapted  to  rim  or  center-fije  cartridges  as  the  case  might  be. 

It  mav  be  remarked  that  anv  of  the  suns  examined  could  be 
adapted  to  either  system  of  cartridge. 

The  term  '•  recoil  seat "  has  been  applied  to  the  abutment 
forming  the  back  of  receiver  as  being  more  exact  than  the 
terms  '•  breech  "  or  "  breech-pin.'' 

In  the  10th  test,  the  taking  apart  the  several  separate  pieces 
of  the  breech  mechanism  and  appendages  has  been  termed 
"  distributing  "  in  contradistinction  to  "  assembling  "*  or  re-ad- 
justing and  securing  the  parts  into  the  complete  arm. 

The  letters  in  brackets  refer  to  the  table  of  cartridges  on 
page  56. 


ARMS 

ADAPTED  TO  CONVERSIOX  OF  MUZZLE-LOADERS. 


I.— THE  ALLm  GUK 
Entered  by  A.  H.  Almy,  Norwich,  Conn. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Alteration  or  conversion  of  the  U.  S.  Springfield 
Rifled  Musket.  Length  of  barrel,  36^  inches.  Calibre, 
.50.  Arranged  for  central-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of 
entire  arm,  91bs.  15oz. 

The  original  barrel  of  .58  calibre  is  re-enforced  by  the 
introduction  of  a  tube  of  iron  of  such  size  after  proper 
turning,  reaming,  etc.,  as  to  reduce  the  calibre  to  .50  ; 
this  tube  being  brazed  to  the  original  barrel.  In  rifling, 
the  twist  is  made  one  revolution  in  40  inches,  and  the 
chamber  has  a  taper  of  .075  inch.  The  breech-block 
revolves  on  a  hinge  at  its  forward  end,  and  is  attached  by 
a  strap  soldered  and  screwed  to  upper  part  of  barrel.  No 
^  claim  is  made  as  to  form  or  action  of  breech-block,  nor 
of  the  lock,  nor  of  the  positive  extractor ;  but  peculiar 
advantage  is  claimed  for  the  locking  device  of  the 
breech-block  attached  to  it,  and  by  means  of  a  bolt, 
which  enters  the  recoil  face  firmly  fastening  the  breech 
when  closed,  and  more  specially  is  advantage  claimed 
for  the  re -enforcement  and  reduction  of  the  calibre  of 
the  barrel,  by  wliicli  greater  accuracy,  penetration  and 
range  are  secured. 


12 

TESTS, 

1st  Test. — Ninety-nine  70-grain  cartridges  [H]  fired  in  6  min- 
utes and  10  seconds,  during  which  time  three  additional  cartridges 
missed  fire.  Two  balls  [480  grains  each]  were  then  fired  with  VO 
grains  powder.  The  gun  operated  well,  the  ejector  throwing  out 
the  empty  cases  with  considerable  and  excessive  force  ;  in  firing 
in  two  ranks  the  rear  rank  would  be  discomjjosed  by  a  shower  of 
cases.  This  objection  could  be  obviated  by  reducing  the  elastic 
force  of  the  ejector. 

2d  Test. — With  70  grains  powder  and  480  grains  lead  [cart- 
ridge H]  penetrated  the  fifteenth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  for  exhibitor  nine  shots  in  one  minute,  of  which 
seven  struck  the  target.  Fired  by  private  soldier  seven  times  in 
one  minute. 

4th  Test. — Simj)licity  and  stability  of  mechanism  approved. 

5th  Test. — Fired  with  a  cartridge  [H]  filed  thin  on  the  head, 
three-quarters  around ;  the  cartridge  head  w^ell  bursted ;  breech- 
block firm;  the  gas  escaping  through  the  orifice  in  the  barrel, 
through  which  the  ejector-spring  works,  split  the  stock  immedi- 
ately beneath  the  orifice,  driving  off  two  jjieces.  This  difiiculty 
could  be  removed  by  using  j^roposed  improved  ejector.  Another 
similar  cartridge  filed  in  same  manner  was  then  fired,  the  breech 
remaining  unaffected  and  no  derangement  of  machinery.  A  simi- 
lar cartridge  cut  so  as  to  split  longitudinally  was  fired  without 
affecting  the  gun. 

6th  Test. — This  piece  can  be  fired  only  when  the  breech  is  fully 
closed,  and  the  peculiar  lock  of  the  breech-piece  prevents  loss  of 
cai'tridge. 

Vth  Test. — No  more  than  muzzle-loader. 

8th  Test. — Breech  opened  and  closed  readily.  Three  cartridges 
[H]  fired  with  satisfactory  result. 

9th  Test. — Sand  easily  dislodged  by  percussion  and  cleansing 
with  the  fingers. 

10th  Test. — Distributed  in  four  minutes  and  assembled  in  five 
minutes  and  thirty  seconds. 

II.— THE  ARONSON  GUN. 

Entered  by  J.  H.  Aronson,  No.  225  Fifth  Avenue, 

New  York  City. 
Some  tests  were  applied  to  this  gun  at  the  December 


! 


13 

session,  when  it  was  withdrawn  for  improvements  and 
changes.  It  w^as  entered  again  February  19th  and 
again  withdrawn  for  proposed  changes,  and  not  returned 
in  time  for  trial. 

TESTS. 

No  tests. 
III.— THE  BERDAN  BEEECII-LOADING  RIFLE. 
Entered  by  Hiram  Berdan,  New  York  City. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Presented  as  a  conversion  of  the  Springfield  and 
Enfield  muzzle-loading  Rifles,  and  also  for  manufacture 
of  new  arms.  Two  arms  presented  :  1st — Converted 
Springfield  Rifle ;  length  of  baiTel,  37  inches ;  calibre, 
.58  ;  arranged  for  central-fire  cartridges  ;  w^eight  of  en- 
tire arm,  9lbs.  14oz.  2d — Converted  Enfield  rifle ; 
length  of  barrel,  37^  inches;  calibre,  .577  ;  arranged 
for  central-fire  cartridges ;  weight  of  entire  arm,  91bs. 

4oz. 

Breech-block  of  one  solid  piece  of  metal,  falling  into 

the  breech-receiver,  which  is  formed  by  cutting  away 
upper  part  of  barrel  immediately  in  front  of  breech- 
pin.  The  block  revolves  in  a  vertical  plane,  and  is 
hinged  on  its  forward  end  to  a  strap,  which  is  attached 
to  the  top  of  barrel,  but  not  permanently,  having  a 
sliding  motion  in  line  of  bore  of  .04  of  an  inch.  The 
recoil  shoulder  being  perpendicular  to  line  of  bore,  the 
motion  of  the  strap  admits  the  closing  of  the  breech, 
and  locks  it  without  any  additional  device.  The  breech- 
block and  strap  can  be  instantly  detached  from  the 
barrel,  exposing  to  inspection  the  entire  mechanism. 
The  cartridge  case  is  withdrawn  by  positive  motion,  by 
a  projection  on  one  of  the  knuckles  of  the  hinge,  and 
is  flipped  by  the  agency  of  a  disc,  like  a  cam,  working 
on  the  hinge  pin,  to  which,  at  a  certain  point,  sudden 


14 

and  strong  motion  is  given  by  a  spring,  located  under 
the  strap.  Same  lock  retained  as  in  original  piece.  A 
lip  on  the  breech  block,  projecting  under  the  hammer 
when  closed,  effectually  prevents  premature  explosion. 
The  firing-pin  passes  through  the  breech-block.  In 
addition,  peculiar  advantages  are  claimed  for  the  car- 
tridges used  with  this  gun. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Ninety-nine  YO-grain  cartridges  [B],  fired  by  Mr. 
George  Wilson,  in  six  minutes  and  twenty  seconds,  during  which 
time  eight  additional  cartridges  missed  lire,  the  primers  being 
fresh  and  not  perfectly  dried.  Two  balls  of  460  grains  each  were 
then  fired  with  70  grains  of  powder.  The  breech-strap  was  then 
detached  from  the  barrel,  and  the  breech-block  put  in  place,  with- 
out attachment  to  the  gun,  and  a  70-gi"ain  cartridge  [B]  fired,  the 
breech-block  not  being  moved  by  the  explosion. 

One  hundred  rounds  of  100-grain  cartridges  [A]  were  fired  in 
five  minutes  and  thirty-five  seconds,  by  Colonel  Berdan,  both 
hands  being  used  to  load  and  fire. 

2d  Test. — On  first  trial  cartridge  [B],  the  ball  penetrated  the 
ninth  board ;  on  second  trial,  passed  through  the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Seven  shots  fired  in  one  minute  by  Mr.  Wilson,  all 
of  which  entered  the  target.  By  a  private  soldier,  seven  shots 
were  fired  in  one  minute. 

4th  Test. — Simplicity  and  stability  of  mechanism  approved. 

5th  Test. — Fired  an  altered  Enfield  with  100-2;rain  cartridgre 

[A]  filed  half  round  the  head,  the  breech-block  not  being  attached  ; 
it  was  blown  out.  On  second  trial,  the  breech-block  beins 
attached,  the  block  Avas  torn  from  the  barrel  and  blown  off",  and  the 
hammer  broken.  It  subsequently  appearing  that  the  above  piece 
was  made  upon  an  old  model,  and  its  sustention  of  above  test  not 
claimed,  the  exhibitor  Avas  allowed  to  substitute  an  altered  Spring- 
field, the  breech-block  differing  from  the  former,  by  enterino-  the 
chamber  of  the  barrel  one-ciorhth  of  an  inch.  This  s:un,  the 
breech-block  being  attached,  was  fired  with  a  VO-grain  cartridge 

[B]  filed  half  way  round,  the  breech-block  remaining  undisturbed 
by  the  discharge.  Two  more  trials  of  same  character  Avere  made, 
with  satisfactory  results.     Fired  with  a  100-grain  cartridge  [A], 


15 

split  longitudinally,  -without  affecting  the  breech  or  ejecting  me- 
chanism. 

6tii  Test. — This  gun  can  be  fired  only  when  the  breech  is 
closed.  A  strong  lip  is  attached  to  the  breech-block,  and  in 
case  the  breech  is  open  slightly,  the  hammer  strikes  this  lip  and 
closes  the  breech,  or  if  ojien  wider,  the  hammer,  striking  the  lip, 
is  arrested,  and  lails  to  reach  the  firing  pin.  The  lock  of  the 
breech,  as  far  as  loss  of  cartridge  is  concerned,  is  secured  by  the 
hammer  when  down.  When  the  latter  is  cocked,  the  breech  is 
kept  closed.  When  the  gun  is  held  with  the  breech  downward, 
by  the  friction  of  the  surfaces  simply.  To  prove  that  the  locking 
of  the  breech  does  not  depend  on  the  hammer,  the  gun  Avas  fired 
with  70-grain  cartridges  several  times,  without  dropping  the  ham- 
mer, the  cartridge  being  exploded  by  a  long  firing  pin,  driven  in 
by  a  forcible  blow. 

7th  Test. — No  more  than  muzzle-loader, 

8th  Test. — Breech  o^^ened  and  closed  easily.  Six  100-grain 
cartridges  [A]  were  fired,  the  cases  being  drawn  by  the  retractor, 
but  not  ejected,  the  rust  having  impaired  the  action  of  the  ejector 
spring.  Such  a  result  would  not  be  apt  to  occur  from  any  moist 
exposure  in  ordinary  service. 

9th  Test. — Sand  removed  readily  by  percussion  and  cleansing 
with  the  fino;er. 

10th  Test. — Distributed  in  eighteen  seconds,  and  assembled  in 
forty-two  seconds. 

ly.— THE  CHABOT  BREECH-LOADING  MUSKET. 

Entered  by  Fitch,  Van  Vechten  &  Co., 
New  York  City. 

DESCEIPTION. 

An  altered  Springfield  musket.  The  breech-receiver 
is  made  by  cutting  away  more  than  half  the  barrel 
from  the  top  downward  and  directly  in  front  of  breech- 
pin.  The  breech-block  swings  on  trunnions  attached 
to  a  strap  fastened  on  top  of  the  barrel,  the  revolution 
being  in  a  vertical  plane  and  toward  the  muzzle.  The 
breech  is  locked  when  closed,  the  block  being  operated 
by   a   projecting   liandle   opposite    the  hammer.     The 


16 

retractor  is  operated  by  the  movement  of  the  breech- 
block and  the  case  is  flipped  by  a  spring  placed  beneath 
the  barrel. 

TESTS. 

The  exhibitor  being  absent,  no  tests  were  applied  to  this  arm 
after  the  December  session. 

Y.— THE  COCHRAN  GUK 
Model  exhibited.     Not  prepared  for  trial. 
YI.— THE  EMPIEE  BREECH-LOADING  RIFLE,  NO.  1. 
Entered  by  George  B.  Walter,  No.  64  Broadway, 

New  York  City. 

DESCRIPTION. 

An  original  arm,  though  adapted  to  conversion  of 
muzzle-loaders.  Length  of  barrel  33  inches.  Calibre, 
.50.  Arranged  for  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of 
entire  arm,  9  lbs.  12  ozs.  Breech-block  of  one  solid 
piece  of  metal  semi-circular  in  form,  hinged  to  the  bar- 
rel on  left  hand  side  and  operating  at  right  angles  to 
the  barrel,  and  dropping  into  a  receiver  between  the 
cartridge  chamber  and  recoil  shoulder,  and  locked  in 
position  by  a  spring  bolt  operated  by  knob  on  right 
hand  side  of  the  block.  The  retractor,  retracting  bar 
at  right  angles  to  bore  of  barrel,  and  retractor  lever 
and  spring  are  located  in  the  under  part  of  breech- 
receiver  and  operated  by  the  movement  of  the  breech- 
block. In  alteration  of  muzzle-loaders,  the  barrel  would 
be  cut  off  and  a  new  breech-receiver  screwed  on.  The 
lock  is  peculiar. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test, — Fired  with  45-grain  cartridges  [X]  uinety-uine  times 
in  six  minutes  and  forty-five  seconds.  During  the  firing  a  diffi- 
culty in  fully  opening  the  breech,  and  so  extracting  cartridge  case, 
was  noticed ;  otherwise  the  trial  was  satisfactory.  Then  fired 
with  45  grains  of  powder  and  two  balls  of  335  grains  each,  with- 
out any  derangement. 


17 

2d  Test, — With  00  griiins  powder  and  350  grains  lead  pene- 
trated tlie  eleventh  board. 

3r>  Test. — Fired  on  behalf  of  exhibitor  by  Mr.  Smith,  times 
in  a  minnte. 

4tii  Test. — Mechanism  siini)le  and  stron<^. 

Stii  Test. — Fired  with  a  45-grain  cartridge  [N]  iiled  lialf  way 
round  without  effect  on  the  breech.  With  a  60-grain  cartridge 
[LJ  with  the  same  result,  though  chamber  and  breech  machinery 
were  much  fouled.  A  'ZO-grain  cartridge  [I]  filed  half  way  round, 
the  head  bursting  Avell,  raised  the  breech-block  and  hammer  about 
one-tenth  of  an  inch  and  the  retractor  cap  was  moved  out  about 
same  distance.  Fired  with  a  00-grain  cartridge  sjdit  longitu- 
dinally without  affecting  the  breech. 

6tii  Test. — This  gun  can  be  fired  only  Avhen  breech  is  closed, 
and  the  lock  bolt  on  breech-block  prevents  loss  of  ammunition, 

Ttii  Test. — Equal  to  Springfield  muzzle-loading  rifle. 

8th  Test. — Rusted  so  that  retractor  would  not  play  in  its  groove 
and  resisted  the  closing  of  the  breech-cap.  Could  not  be  moved 
until  after  being  well  oiled,  when  the  retractor  was  loosened  and 
the  cap  closed.  The  gun  was  then  fired  twice  with  45-grain  cart- 
ridges [X]  the  machinery  working  well. 

9tii  Test. — Sand  removed  by  percussion  and  brushing  out  Avilh 
the  fingers,  the  breech  was  th.en  readily  closed,  but  the  retractor 
worked  with  difliculty — this  piece  plays  in  a  groove,  Avhich 
retains  the  sand.  After  working  the  retractor  to  and  fro  for  a 
short  time,  the  sand  in  groove  was  mostly  dislodged. 

10th  Test. — Dismounted  in  two  minutes  and  five  seconds,  and 
assembled  in  four  minutes. 

YII.— THE  EMPIRE  BREECH-LOADING  RIFLE,  NO.  2. 

Entered  by  George  B.  Walter,  No,  64    Broadway, 

New  York  City. 
description. 
A  Converted  Springfield  rifle.  Length  of  barrel,  39 
inches.  Calibre,  .58.  Arranged  for  rim-fire  cartridges. 
Weight  of  entire  arm,  9lbs.  4oz,  The  barrel  of  the 
muzzle-loader  is  cut  through  immediately  in  front  of 
breech-pin  and  swings  on  a  hinge  32^  inches  from  the 
muzzle  and  G's  inches  from  the  breech,  the  stock  being 


18 

divided  at  same  point  to  allow  motion.  Tlie  barrel 
drops  down  at  the  muzzle,  the  breech  rising-  about  two 
inches  to  insert  the  cartridge,  the  limit  of  motion  being 
controlled  by  a  bridle  attached  to  the  breech  and  the 
stock.  The  stock  underneath  the  breech  is  re-enforced 
by  a  plate  of  iron  inserted  in  it.  The  breech  is  locked 
by  a  bolt  passing-  from  the  breech-pin  under  the  barrel 
and  operated  by  a  spring.  The  original  barrel,  stock 
and  lock  are  retained,  and  the  gun  presents  about  the 
same  appearance  as  before  the  alteration.  The  motion 
of  cocking  the  piece  opens  the  breech  and  retracts  the 
cartridge-case. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  with  two  60-grain  cartridges  [D]  ninety-nine 
times  in  four  minutes  and  forty  seconds  ;  then  fired  with  60  grains 
powder  and  two  balls  of  480  grains  each.  The  gun  withstood 
this  test  well. 

2d  Test. — With  cartridge  [D]  of  GO  grains  powder  and  480 
grains  lead  penetrated  into  the  twelfth  board. 

3d  Test. — Paired  for  exhibitor  by  Mr.  Isaac  Smith  eighteen  shots 
in  one  minute,  four  of  which  were  in  the  target.  Fired  by  private 
soldier  six  times  in  one  minute. 

4Tn  Test. — The  breech  mechanism  very  simple,  but  the  connec- 
tion of  the  barrel  to  the  stock  at  6f  inches  from  the  breech  by  a 
single  pin  of  comparatively  small  diameter,  and  the  division  of 
the  stock  at  that  point,  are  deemed  elements  of  weakness. 

5th  Test. — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [D]  filed  thin  on  one 
side,  failed  to  derange  the  breech,  but  slightly  bent  the  extractor. 
On  second  trial  with  similar  cartridge  the  stock  immediately  in 
front  of  guard  was  split  into  several  pieces.  Permission  havino- 
been  granted,  the  gun  was  Avithdrawn  for  repairs,  and  another  and 
superior  stock  put  in  and  again  presented.  Fired  twice  with  60- 
grain  cartridges  filed  half  round,  without  affecting  the  gun.  Upon 
third  trial  with  similar  cartridge  the  stock  split  in  same  manner  as 
on  former  trial,  several  pieces  being  driven  ott*,  but  the  gun  other- 
wise unimpaired.  Fired  with  a  GO-grain  cartridge  split  longitudi- 
nally without  aftecting  the  gun. 


19 

Gth  Tkst. — No  danger  of  cxplodinj^  tlu'  cartridge  before  the 
breecli  is  closed,  nor  of  loss  of  aninuinition. 

7x11  Test. — Equal  in  this  respect  to  niu/zlc-loader. 

8tii  Test. — Rusted  so  that  extractor  and  l)reech-lock  would  not 
operate.  Upon  application  of  oil  the  rusted  parts  were  loosened, 
and  thiee  CO-grain  cartridges  tired,  the  parts  working  well. 

9tii  Test. — Sand  was  easily  dislodged  by  percussion. 

IOth  Test. — Distributed  in  thirty  seconds  and  assembled  in 
forty-live  seconds. 

VIII.— THE  FIT(  II  6c  POWEKS  GUN. 

Entered  by  Fitch,  Van  Veciitex  &  Co.,  Fifty-second 
street,  New  York  City. 

DESCRirXION. 

Tliis  gun  was  exhibited  in  reference  simply  to  the 
retractor,  which,  for  example,  was  attached  to  an  Allin 
Gun  [I].  As  the  patent  had  not  been  secured,  the 
description  is  omitted  ;  but  it  may  be  stated  that  the 
Board  considered  the  improvement  well  worthy  of  con- 
sideration, though  being  merely  an  element  in  a  prac- 
tical breed i-loader,  it  could  not  enter  into  full  competi- 
tion with  arms  presented  as  complete  combinations. 
To  exhibit  the  action  of  the  retractor  the  gun  was  sub- 
mitted to  a  few  tests  and  tlien  withdrawn. 

tests. 

1 ST  Test. — Xinety-nine  rounds  of  60-grain  cartridges  were  fired 
in  eight  minutes  and  fifty-two  seconds.  Then  fired  Avith  60  grains 
powder  and  960  grains  of  lead.  The  retractor  worked  well  during 
this  test,  drawing  and  expelling  the  empty  cases  without  failure. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  of  powder  and  480  grains  of  lead 
penetrated  the  twelfth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  the  exhibitor,  Mr.  J.  P.  Fitch,  twelve  times 
in  one  minute,  two  balls  in  the  target. 

9tii  Test. — The  action  of  the  breech-piece  was  somewliat  dis- 
abled at  first,  but  being  finally  freed  from  sand  by  percussion  and 
wiping,  it  worked  more  satisfactorily. 


20 

This  gun  having  been  entered  simply  as  an  inii^rovement  on  the 
Allin  Gun  [I]  as  for  as  retractor  is  concerned,  it  was  not  submitted, 
to  further  test. 

IX.— GKAY'S  BREECH-LOADING  RIFLE. 
Entered  b}^  Joshua  Geay,  Boston,  Mass. 

DESCRIPTION. 

For  conversion  of  muzzle-loading  arms  and  also  as 
an  original  arm.  Length  of  barrel  38^  inches.  Calibre 
.50.  Adapted  to  rim-fire  cai'tridges.  Weight  of  entire 
arm,  9  lbs.  14  ozs. 

The  gun  presented  was  a  converted  Springfield.     The 
barrel  of  the  original  gun  is  cut  off  just  in  front  of  the 
breech-pin  and  screwed  into  a  breech-receiver,  in  which 
works  the  breech-block,  composed  of    two  parts,   the 
breech  pin  which  closes  the  breech  and   receives  the 
direct  recoil,  transmitting  it  through  the  breech  lever  to 
the  recoil  seat  which  is  perpendicular  to  the  axis  of  the 
barrel.     A  handle  to  the  lever  extends  back  over  the 
stock,  which  being  raised  lifts  the  recoil  shoulder  above 
the  receiver  (the  breech-pin   and  lever  being  hinged 
together),  the  lever  is  then  drawn  directly  back,  bring- 
ing the  breech- pin  to  the  rear  of  receiver,  the  cartridge 
is  then  dropped  into  the  space  in  the  receiver  vacated 
by  the   pin,    and  the   motions  above  described  being 
reversed,  the  cartridge  is  inserted  in  the  chamber  and 
the  breech  closed.     The  retractor  plays  in  a  recess  in  the 
bottom  of   the  receiver    with  a  positive   motion— the 
motion  of  the  lever  in  operating  tlie  breech-pin.     The 
cartridge  flipper  is  placed  beneath  the  barrel.     There  is 
only  one  spring  that  locks  the  breecli. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test.    Fired  ninety-nine   60-grain    cartridges  [FJ  in    eight 

minutes.     Then  fired  with  60  grains  powder  and  960  grains  lead. 

All  parts  of  the  mechanism   worked  well  during  and  after  this 
trial. 


21 

'2\)  TicsT.— With  GO-o;rain  cartridge  [F]  iicnctrated  the  twelfth 
board, 

3i)  Tkst. — Eight  rounds  were  fired  by  the  exhibitor  (Mr.  Gray) 
ill  fifty-five  seconds,  seven  balls  entering  the  target.  Private  sol 
dier  fired  six  rounds  in  one  minute. 

4x11  Test. — The  breech-block   strong  and  simple,  the  knob  for 
working  is  however  small  and  difticult  to  manipulate.     The  retrac 
tor  is  strong  and  positive  in  motion,  operated  by  the  breech-lever. 

oTii  Tkst. — Fired  Avith  a  GO-grain  cartridge  [E]  filed  round  one- 
lialf  the  head,  Avhich  slightly  raised  the  breech-lever.  A  similar 
cartridge  on  second  trial  raised  tlie  lever  entirely  above  its 
bearing.  A  similar  cartridge  not  filed  on  the  head,  but  split  lon- 
gitudinally did  not  aflfect  the  arm. 

6tii  Test. — Security  against  premature  discharge  is  perfect,  as 
hammer  cannot  strike  firing  pin  till  the  breech  is  entirely  closed, 
nor  would  cartridge  be  lost  from  the  chamber  by  accidental  open- 
ing of  the  breech. 

Ytii  Test. — Unobjectionable  under  this  test. 

8th  Test. — Impossible  to  raise  the  breech-lever  except  by  means 
of  a  rod  placed  through  orifice  immediately  below  the  knob  [see 
4th  test.]  After  oiling  the  working  parts,  three  60-grain  cart- 
ridges [E]  were  fired  with  satisfactory  result. 

9x11  Test. — Sand  easily  dislodged  by  percussion  and  cleaning 
with  the  fingers. 

lOxH  Tesx. — Distributed  in  thirty  seconds  and  assembled  in 
fifty-five  seconds. 

X.— IIUBBELL'S  BEEECII-LOADIXG  RIFLE. 
Entered  by  James  H.  Orxe,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

DESCRIPTION. 

For  conversion  of  mnzzle-loading  arms  or  as  original 
arm. 

The  gun  presented  was  an  altered  Springfield  rifle, 
Calibre  .50,  and  adapted  to  central-fire  cartridges.  The 
barrel  of  original  gun  is  cut  off  in  front  of  the  breech- 
pin,  and  screwed  into  a  new  breech-receiver.  The 
breech-block  consists  of  two  parts,  one  of  them  is 
hinged  to  back  part  of  receiver  and  opens  upward, 
moving  in  a  vertical  plane.     The  other  works  back  and 


oo 


forth  in  grooves  in  the  receiver  find  is  attached  to  the 
former  part  by  two  slotted  hnks.  The  first  part  being 
raised  (working  upon  the  hinges  in  its  rear)  draws  back 
the  second  part  which  leaves  sufficient  space  in  the 
receiver  for  the  cartridge  w^hich  is  dropped  in  and  the 
hinged  block  being  depressed,  drives  the  front  block 
forward,  forcing  the  cartridge  into  the  chamber,  when 
the  two  blocks  occupy  the  receiver  and  transmit  the 
recoil  in  the  line  of  axis  of  the -barrel  to  the  square 
recoil  seat.  The  cartridge  is  retracted  by  a  small  steel 
hook  attached  to  the  front  block  and  workino-  in  a  slot 
in  the  receiver.  It  is  flipped  by  suddenly  opening  the 
breech  which  gives  a  rapid  movement  to  the  case,  when 
it  strikes  a  projection  in  the  bottom  of  receiver  which 
tilts  it  and  throws  it  out.  The  lock  of  ori^-inal  g-un  is 
retained,  the  percussion  being  transmitted  to  the  cart- 
ridge by  means  of  a  firing  pin  composed  of  three  parts 
— two  parts  in  the  back  block,  wliicli  change  the  line 
of  motion,  and  the  other  j^art  in  the  front  block. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [K]  in  thirteen 
minntes  and  thirty-two  seconds.  An  extra  ball  taken  from  cart- 
ridge [K]  was  then  placed  in  the  nuizzle  and  driven  down  with  a 
ramrod,  the  resistance  was  very  great  and  it  was  only  after  coiv 
tinued  eifort  by  driving  the  rammer  with  heavy  blows  that  the 
ball  was  rammed  down.  It  finally  dislodged  from  the  interior 
of  the  barrel,  about  thirteen  inches  from  the  muzzle,  a  mass  of 
mingled  burnt  powder  and  lead  amounting  to  half  a  gill,  which 
had  graduall}^  adhered  to  the  bore.  The  ball  finally  driven 
through  was  entirely  disfigured,  being  elongatctl,  its  greatest 
diameter  reduced  from  .52  to  .49,  while  the  ])art  that  first 
met  the  obstruction  and  Avas  driven  into  it  before  the  mass  was 
dislodged  was  reduced  to  an  average  of  .38  of  an  inch  in  diameter 
for  a  length  of  .2  of  an  inch.  From  this  it  is  evident  that  a  por- 
tion of  the  barrel  was  practically  reduced  in  calibre  to  .38  of  an 
inch,  through  which  small  aperture  balls  of  a  calibre  of  .50  of  an 
inch  were  driven  by  60  gi*ains  of  powder. 


The  strenotli  of  tlic  breech,  and  especially  of  the  barrel,  ^vere 
well  attested  by  this  un]»rrmedit:i(ed  result.  Upon  an  examina- 
tion of  the  cartiidii;es,  it  Avas  evident  that  the  folding  was  occa- 
sioned by  inadequate  lubrication  of  the  cartridges,  although  manu- 
factured at  an  United  States  arsenal.  Tlie  gun  was  not  submitted 
to  the  test  of  two  balls,  the  test  being  considered  unnecessary  after 
the  above-described  endurance  of  the  parts. 

2d  Test. — With  60-grain  cartridge  [K],  penetrated  the  twelfth 
board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  Mr.  J.  M.  Cooper,  on  behalf  of  exhibitor, 
eiirht  times  in  fiftv-six  seconds;  three  balls  in  the  target. 

The  gun  was  withdrawn  before  being  submitted  to  firing  by 
private  soldier,  or  to  the  other  tests. 

XI.— JOSLYN'S  CAP  BEEECII-LOADIXG  EIFLE. 
Entered  by  Mr.  William  Hekrick,   New  York  Citj. 

DESCRIPTION. 

As  an  orio'Inal  arm,  and  also  for  conversion  of  muz- 
zle-loaders. 

Length  of  barrel,  28  inches  ;  calibre,  .50  ;  adapted  to 
rim-fire  cartridges  ;  weight  of  entire  arm,  9  lbs.  8  ozs. 

For  conversion  of  muzzle-loaders,  the  original  barrel 
is  cut  off  and  screwed  into  a  breech- receiver.  The 
breech-block  is  a  semi-circular  cap,  hinged  upon  the 
left  side  of  receiver,  and  revolving  at  right  angles  to 
axis  of  barrel,  and  when  closed,  a  projecting  rim  falls 
in  front  of  the  rim  of  receiver,  where  barrel  is  screwed 
in  and  fits  closely  to  the  barrel.  The  rear  of  the  cap, 
when  closed,  rests  against  the  recoil-seat,  which,  together 
with  the  projecting  rim,  gives  a  recoil  support  in  front 
and  rear  ends  of  cap  ;  a  simple  spring-bolt,  operated 
by  a  knob  on  right  side  of  receiver,  secures  the  cap 
when  closed. 

The  retractor  is  worked  b^'  a  screw  on  the  liino-e  of 
the  cap,  drawing  the  shell  directly  back.     There  is  no 


24 

peculiarity  in  the  lock,  the  firing-pin  being  in  usual 
shape  and  remarkably  strong. 

TESTS. 

]ST  Test. — Ninety-nine  45-grain  cartridges  [N]  fired  in  seven 
minutes  and  forty-five  seconds.  Fired  then  with  45  grains 
powder  and  two  balls  of  355  grains  each.  The  gun  bore  this  test 
well. 

2d  Test. — With  45  grains  powder  and  355  of  lead,  penetrated 
the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Ten  shots  fired  in  one  minute  by  Mr.  Joslyn,  of  which 
eight  struck  the  target.  Eight  shots  in  one  minute  fired  by  a 
private  soldier. 

4th  Test. — Mechanism  simple  and  retractor  especially  strong. 

Stii  Test. — A  45-grain  cartridge,  filed  half  way  roimd,  failed 
to  disturb  the  breech.  Another  similar  cartridge  fired  with  same 
result.  The  gun  was  withdrawn  by  exhibitor,  and  gas  vent  bored 
through  the  toj)  of  cap.  It  was  then  fired  with  a  CO-grain  car- 
tridge [L],  filed  half  way  round,  and  the  breech  was  midisturbed. 
The  hinge  pin  and  lock  catch  of  the  breech-cap  were  then  removed, 
the  ca^)  simply  resting  in  place  unattached,  and  the  gun  was  fired 
with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [L]  without  affecting  the  cap.  Fired 
with  a  60-grain  cartridge  split  longitudinally,  without  affecting 
the  gun  or  its  mechanism. 

6tii  Test. — The  hammer,  in  falling,  strikes  the  breech-cap  in 
such  manner  as  to  prevent  premature  dischai'ge,  and  the  lock 
catch  secures  the  breech  in  any  position  of  the  gun. 

Yth  Test. — The  mechanism  of  the  breech  being  compact,  it 
offers  no  obstructions. 

8th  Test. — Unaffected  by  moisture,  the  working  j^arts  being 
well  case-hardened,  resisted  the  action  of  water. 

9th  Test. — Sand  dislodged  by  percussion  of  the  gun  and 
cleansincc  with  the  fin2jers,  though  not  without  some  labor. 

IOth  Test. — Distributed  in  forty  seconds,  and  assembled  in  one 
minute. 


25 


XII.— THE  JOSLYN"  SAVING-BREECII  GUN". 
Entered  by  Mr.  William  IIerrick,  New  York  City. 

DESCRIPTION. 

As  an  original  arm  and  also  for  conversion  of  muzzle- 
loaders. 

Length  of  barrel,  36^  inches ;  calibre,  .50 ;  adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges ;  weight  of  entire  arm,  10  lbs.  8 
ozs. 

For  conversion  of  muzzle-loaders,  the  barrel  is  cut 
off  and  screwed  into  a  breech-receiver.  The  breech- 
block is  a  solid  piece  of  metal  (weighing  about  a  pound), 
which  revolves  in  a  horizontal  plane,  on  a  large  pivot 
in  rear  of  receiver,  the  motion  being  to  the  left  in 
opening  the  breech.  There  is  a  shoulder  on  the  lower 
face  of  the  block,  toward  the  rear,  which  revolves  on 
a  corresponding  shoulder  on  the  bottom  of  receiver, 
which  shoulders  resist  the  recoil,  none  being  sustained 
by  the  point  of  revolution. 

The  breech,  when  closed,  is  locked  by  a  spring-bolt, 
operated  by  a  knob  on  the  right-hand  side.  The  re- 
tractor, working  in  the  bottom  of  the  receiver,  and 
operated  by  the  swinging  of  the  breech-block,  has  a 
positive  motion.     No  peculiarity  in  lock  or  firing-pin. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test, — Ninety-nine  CO-grain  cartridges  [L]  fired  in  eight 
minutes  and  thirty  seconds;  tlien  fired  witli  GO  grains  powder  and 
two  halls  of  380  grains  each  without  aftecting  the  mechanism  or 
free  working  of  the  gun. 

2d  Test. — Penetrated  tenth  board  with  GO  grains  powder  and 
380  grains  of  lead  [L]. 

3d  Test. —  Fired  by  Mr.  Joslyn  eight  shots  in  one  minute,  all  of 
Avhich  struck  the  target.  Seven  shots  in  a  minute  fired  by  private 
soldier. 

3 


26 

4th  Test. — Breecli-picce  being  a  solid  piece  of  metal  is  very 
stable ;  the  other  mechanism  is  strong  and  simple. 

5th  Test, — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [L]  filed  half  way- 
round,  the  breech  and  mechanism  were  iinaifected,  but  the  escape 
of  gas  between  face  of  block  and  barrel  would  have  severl}^  burned 
the  hand  of  a  person  firing.  A  second  cartridge  [L]  filed  in  same 
manner  was  fired  and  opened  the  stock  slightly,  and  jammed  the 
breech  so  tightly  that  it  required  the  blows  of  a  hammer  to  open 
it.  Fired  with  a  similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally  without 
aifecting  the  gun. 

6th  Test. — Secure  from  premature  discharge  or  loss  of  cart- 
ridge when  loaded. 

Tth  Test. — No  obstructions. 

8th  Test. — The  retractor  groove  being  much  rusted  the  retrac- 
tor could  not  play  and  breech  could  not  be  closed.  After  the 
breech  had  been  partially  closed  and  opened  full,  several  times,  the 
retractor  moved  and  breech  was  closed.  Three  45-grain  cart- 
ridges  were  then  fired  satisfactorily. 

9th  Test. — Sand  easily  removed  by  percussion. 

10th  Test. — Distributed  in  two  minutes  and  thirty-five  seconds- 
and  assembled  in  four  minutes  and  fifty-five  seconds. 

XIII.— THE  LAMS0:N^  BREECH-LOADING  RIFLE. 

Entered  by  the  Windsor   Manufacturing    Company, 

Windsor,  Vt. 

DESCRIPTION. 

For  conversion  of  muzzle-loading  arms  or  as  an 
original  arm.  Two  arms  entered,  both  converted 
Springfield  muskets  and  similar  in  all  respects,  except 
one  adapted  to  rim-fire  and  the  other  to  central-fire 
cartridges.  Length  of  barrel,  37  inches.  Calibre,  .58. 
Weight  of  entire  arm,  9  lbs.  14  oz. 

The  breech-receiver  is  formed  by  cutting  away  the 
upper  part  of  the  barrel  in  front  of  the  breech-pin. 
The  breech-block  is  rebated  longitudinally  to  the  car- 
rier-block, which  is  hinged  on  its  front  end  to  a  strap 
firmly  secured  by  means  of  lugs  and  screws  to  the  top 


27 

of  tho  barrel  in  front  of  the  receiver.  Tlie  firing-pin 
passes  through  both  blocks  and  is  retained  by  a  small 
screw  on  top  of  t:ie  carrier-block,  Avhich  screw  also 
limits  the  slidino-  motion  of  the  blocks  on  each  other  to 
0.05  inch.  This  motion  is  necessary  to  obtain  the 
square  recoil  shoulder  combined  with  rotary  motion  on 
the  hinge.  The  retractor  is  rotary,  consisting  of  a 
small  disk  or  cam  working-  on  the  pin  of  the  hinge,  the 
cartridge  case  being  drawn  by  a  positive  motion  as  the 
breech  is  opened,  when  at  a  certain  point  a  sudden 
accelerated  motion  is  given  to  the  retractor  by  a  flat 
spring  on  top  of  the  strap,  which  motion  ejects  the  case 
over-ways  in  back  of  receiver.  A  lip  on  the  carrier- 
block  projects  beneath  the  hammer  when  closed,  and 
prevents  accidental  explosion  before  breech  is  closed, 
and  by  aid  of  the  hammer  assists  in  locking  the  breech. 

TESTS   OF    Em-FIRE   GUN. 

1st  Test, — Fired  ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [D]  in  six 
minutes  and  forty-six  seconds.  It  Avas  noticed  that  the  barrel  be- 
came unusually  hot  and  the  recoil  gradually  increasing  as  the 
firing  progressed.  On  ramming  down  a  ball  from  the  muzzle  great 
difficulty  Avas  experienced,  and  it  was  only  by  long-continued 
blows  with  a  hammer  that  the  ball  was  forced  to  the  breech,  Avhen 
it  brought  out  a  largo  qmmtity  of  burnt  powder  and  lead.  This 
result,  as  in  the  Ilubbell  gun  heretofore  mentioned,  was  occasioned 
by  lack  of  lubricant  on  the  bullets,  and  as  in  that  case  United 
States  cartridges  were  used.  The  piece  was  then  fired  with  60 
grains  powder  and  two  balls  of  480  grains  each.  The  entire  test 
was  satisfactory,  and  the  gun  successfully  sustained  a  greater 
strain  than  that  proposed. 

2d  Test. — With  V2  grains  powder  and  480  grains  of  lead  [C] 
the  ball  penetrated  the  eleventh  board.  With  similar  charge,  on 
second  trial,  penetrated  the  tAvelfth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  C.  S.  AVight  on  behalf  of  exhibitor  twelve 
times  in  one  minute,  four  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired  by  pri- 
vate soldier  seven  times  in  one  minute. 

4tii  Test. — Mechanism  simple  and  strong. 


28 

5th  Test. — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [E]  filed  on  the 
head  half  way  round,  the  breech-block  was  blown  open,  the  lip 
beneath  the  hammer  being  broken  off  and  the  hinge  broken,  the 
strap  attached  to  the  barrel  was  also  loosened. 

[The  gun  being  completely  disabled  by  Test  No.  5  was  not 
submitted  to  further  trials,  except  that  Test  No.  9  had  been  ap- 
plied previously.] 

9tii  Test. — Sand  readily  removed  by  ordinary  means,  though 
some  difficulty  was  encountered  in  inserting  cartridge. 

teets  of  centre-fire. 

1st  Test. — There  were  fired  16,  IG,  15,  15,  15,  11  and  7  cart- 
ridges [60  grains]  in  successive  minutes,  with  a  number  of  mis- 
fires. After  the  86th  dischai'ge  the  cases  became  fixed  in  the 
chamber  and  the  retractor  would  not  draw  them.  The  remaining 
13  cartridges  were  fired  at  irregular  intervals,  two  and  a  half  min- 
utes beinf?  taken  at  one  time  to  draw  a  case.  It  was  not  deter- 
mined  whether  this  resulted  from  any  defect  in  the  chamber  or 
mechanism  of  the  breech  or  use  of  unsuitable  cartridges.  The 
tests  applied  to  the  Lamson  rim-fire  gun,  in  all  respects  similar 
excejDt  in  position  of  the  firing-pin,  were  satisfactory  as  to  this  test. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  480  grains  lead  pene- 
trated into  the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  on  behalf  of  exhibitor  twelve  times  in  one 
minute,  eleven  balls  entering  the  target.  Fired  by  private  soldier 
seven  times  in  one  minute. 

4th  Test. — Same  as  Lamson's  rim-fire. 

5th  Test. — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  filed  on  the  head 
half  way  round ;  the  breech  blown  open,  bending  up  the  hinge- 
strap  attached  to  barrel  so  that  breech  could  not  thereafter  be 
closed. 

[This  gun  being  disabled  by  the  last-named  test  was  not  sub- 
jected to  further  trials.] 

XIY.  — MILBANK'S     SIDE-GATE    BEEECII-LOADER. 
Entered  by  J.  M.  Milbanks,  Greenville  Hill,  Conn. 

DESCRIPTION. 

A  converted  Springfield  rifle ;  also  intended  for 
original  arms.  Length  of  barrel,  36|  inches.  Calibre, 
.58.     Adapted  to  rim-fire  cartridges.     Weight  of  entire 


29 

arm,  9  lbs.  4  oz.  The  barrel  cut  out  in  front  of  breecli- 
l)in  on  top  and  rig-lit-liand  side  to  receive  breech-block, 
Avhich  is  hinged  to  front  of  receiver,  moving  in  a  hori- 
zontal plane  to  the  right  in  opening  tlie  breech.  Locks 
by  the  hammer  catching  over  projection  on  rear  end  of 
breech-block,  the  hammer  being  secured  by  a  notched 
bolt  let  into  lock-plate.  Lock  of  original  gun  retained. 
Retractor  worked  by  movement  of  breech-block,  and  on 
the  principle  of  a  cant-hook,  working  in  a  recess  cut  in 
the  face  of  the  breecli-block,  seizing  the  flange  of  the 
shell  and  being  kept  fed  to  its  grasp  by  the  action  of  a 
spring,  draws  the  shell  fully  seven-eighths  of  an  inch, 
insuring  its  entire  release.  Rapid  movement  secures 
ejection. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [E]  in  six  min- 
utes and  fifty-five  seconds  ;  then  fired  with  60  grains  powder  and 
9G0  grains  lead  ;  the  gun  not  aftected  in  any  part. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  480  grains  of  lead  [cart- 
ridge E]  the  ball  penetrated  the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test, — Fired  by  Mr.  S.  H.  Pennoyer  for  exhibitor  nine  shots 
in  one  minute,  all  of  which  struck  the  target.  By  private  soldier, 
eight  rounds  in  sixty-one  seconds. 

4tii  Test. — Simple  and  stable. 

5TII  Test.— Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [E]  filed  half  Avay 
round  without  affecting  the  mechanism.  Fired  with  similar  cart- 
ridge  filed  three-quarters  way  round  ;  breech-block  blown  open,  but 
gun  not  otherwise  affected  nor  mechanism  deranged.  Fired  with 
similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally  without  in  any  way  disabling 
the  piece. 

6th  Test. — Cannot  be  fired  except  when  breech  is  closed,  nor 
can  cartridge  be  dropped  from  chamber  as  the  breech-block  is 
locked  in  position. 

7th  Test. — No  more  obstructions  than  in  muzzle-loading  arms. 

8th  Test, — Breech  opened  and  closed,  but  Avith  great  difficulty 
at  first,  but  more  readily  after  being  worked  to  and  fro.  Three 
60-grain  cartridges  then  fired  with  satisfactory  result. 


30 

9th  Test. — The  breech  readily  cleansed  from  sand  with  the 
fingers. 

10th  Test. — This  gun  was  not  dismounted. 

TESTS   OF  CENTKE    FIKE, 

Only  tested  for  rapidity  by  Mr.  S.  II.  Pennoyer  for  the  ex- 
hibitor. Eight  shots  (and  tAVO  misfires  from  imperfect  cartridges) 
in  one  minute. 

XV.— MEIGS'  BEEECPI-LOADIXG   EIFLE. 
Entered   by   Mr.   J.   V.   Meigs,    Lowell,    Mass. 

DESCRIPTION. 

For  conversion  of  muzzle-loading  arms.  The  gun 
presented  was  a  converted  Springfield  rifle.  Lengtli 
of  barrel  oil  inches.  Calibre  .58.  Adapted  to  rim-fire 
cartridges.     Weight  of  entire  arm  9  lbs.  4  ozs. 

The  original  barrel  has  a  vertical  mortise  about  two 
inches  in  length  cut  through  it  at  the  breech,  into  which 
a  rectangular  breech-block  is  fitted.  A  plate  is  put  on 
the  mider  side  of  the  neck  of  the  stock,  taking  the  same 
curve ;  to  this  plate  the  old  guard  plate  with  trigger 
and  bow  is  so  attached  that  it  can  slide  to  the  rear. 
To  the  front  end  of  the  guard  plate  an  elbowed  con- 
necting piece  is  pivoted,  which  has  a  pin  on  one  side  at 
or  near  the  elbow,  working  in  a  horizontal  slot  in  the 
side  of  the  rectangular  block.  Upon  the  other  side  of 
the  connecting  piece  there  is  another  pin  working  in  a 
guide  slot  in  a  plate  attached  to  the  slide  plate.  Draw- 
ing the  guard  backward,  this  connecting  piece  at  its 
pivoted  end  moves  with  it  and  by*  means  of  the  pin  on 
the  side  Avorking  in  the  slot  assisted  by  the  pin  on  the 
other  side  working  in  the  guide  slot,  pulls  the  block 
down  to  the  rest,  at  the  same  time  the  disengaged  end 
of  the  elbow  hooks  over  the  rim  of  the  shell  in  the 
barrel,  and  then  slides,  following  the  slots  in  the  block 
and  guide,  horizontally  to  the  rear,  retracting  the  shell 


I 


31 

and  tlirowina"  it  out  of  the  receiver.  The  method  of 
loading  reverses  the  above  operation,  the  cartridge  being 
dropped  into  the  receiver  is  inserted  in  the  chamber  by 
tlie  retractor  in  its  return  movement.  [Since  the  above 
description  and  the  tests  given  below,  the  gun  has  been 
shown  informally  to  members  of  the  Board,  with 
certain  important  improvements.] 

TESTS. 

1st  test. — Ninety-nine  GO-grain  cartridges  [D]  fired  in  five 
minutes  and  forty  seconds — tlien  fired  with  GQ^rariis  powder  and 
two  balls  of  480  grains  eaeli.  Mechanism  not  in  any  respect 
affected. 

2d  test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  480  grains  lead  the  hall 
penetrated  the  eleventh  board. 

3d  test. — Fired  by  the  inventor  sixteen  times  in  one  minute, 
seven  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired  by  private  soldier  eight 
times  in  one  minute. 

4tii  test. — Mechanism  simple  and  from  peculiarity  of  the  move- 
ments Avell  adapted  for  rapid  manipulation  in  firing.  A  large 
friction  surface  in  the  moving  parts  requiring  care  in  manufacture 
to  prevent  undue  wear. 

oTii  TEST. — Fired  twice  with  CO-grain  cartridges  [E]  filed  half 
and  three-quarters  Avay  round  without  in  any  way  aflecting  the 
mechanism.  Fired  with  similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally 
without  aftecting  the  gun. 

Gtu  TEST. — Can  be  fired  only  when  breech  is  closed  and  an 
efficient  lock  of  breech-piece  prevents  loss  of  cartridge  from  cham- 
ber. 

Ttii  test. — Xo  obstructions. 

Stii  test. — It   was   impossible  to   move   the  breech-block,  the 

large  sliding  surfaces   being  rusted  produced  a  friction  which  it 

[was  impossible  to  overcome.     A  liberal  application  of  oil  which 

I  was  allowed   to  penetrate   to  all  the   working   surfaces   enabled 

[the  breech  to  be  moved  and  after  a  little  working  to  and  fro,  the 

mechanism  Avorked  freely.      Three  GO-grain  cartridges  [E]  were 

then  fired  with  satisfiictory  results. 

9tii  test. — After  repeated  ])ercussion,  most  of  the  sand  was 
removed,    the    mechanism    being    slightly   obstructed   by   what 


32 

remained,  but  after  some  difficulty  its  efficiency  was  restored  and 
a  60-grain  cartridge  exploded  and  case  ejected. 

IOth  test. — Distributed  in  two  minutes  and  forty-five  seconds, 
and  assembled  in  one  minute  and  fifteen  seconds, 

XYI.— MONTSTOEM  BREECH-LOADIXG  RIFLE. 
Entered  by  Mr.  Poultney,  Baltimore,  Md. 

DESCRIPTION. 

For  conversion  of  Muzzle-loading  arms.  The  gun 
presented  was  an  altered  Springfield  rifle.  Length  of 
barrel  06]  inches.  Calibre  .58.  Adapted  to  rim-fire  cart- 
ridges.    Weight  of  entire  arm,  9  lbs.  4  ozs. 

The  receiver  formed  by  cutting  away  the  upper  part 
of  barrel  in  front  of  breech-pin,  in  which  the  breech- 
block lies,  being  hinged  on  its  forward  end  to  a  strap 
attached  firmly  to  the  barrel  in  front  of  receiver  and 
having  a  motion  in  a  vertical  plane.  The  breech-block 
is  locked  by  a  bolt  which  enters  its  rear  end  and  moved 
by  the  mechanism  of  the  lock — i.  e. — entering  and 
withdrawing  from  the  block  as  the  hammer  is  dropped 
or  raised.  The  retractor  is  positive  in  its  action  and 
the  firing-pin  in  usual  form  and  passing  through  the 
breech  block.     The  lock  of  original  gun  is  retained. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [E]  in  seven 
minutes  and  nine  seconds.  Then  fired  with  60  grains  jjowder 
and  two  balls  of  480  grains  each.  The  mechanism  worked 
well. 

2d  Test. — With  GO  grains  powder  and  480  grains  lead,  pene- 
trated through  ten  boards. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  Mr.  A.  G.  Sinclair,  for  exhibitor,  eleven 
times  in  fifty-seven  seconds,  seven  balls  entering  the  target.  Fired 
by  private  soldier  seven  times  in  one  minute. 

4tii  Test. — Mechanism  stable  and  strong. 

5tii  Test. — Fired  twice  with  60-grain  cartridges  [E],  filed  two- 
thirds  round  the  rim,  without  opening  the  breech  or  aftecting  the 


33 

mechanism.  Fired  witli  siinihir  cartritlge  split  loiigitiulinally, 
with  same  result. 

6tu  Test. — Can  only  be  fired  when  breech  is  closed,  and  breech- 
lock  secures  the  cartridge. 

Itu  Test. — No  obstructions. 

8tii  Test. — Breech  opened  and  closed  with  difficulty,  the  lock- 
bolt  of  breech  moving  stiffly  from  rust.  Three  00-grain  cartridges 
tired  with  satisfactory  result. 

9tii  Test. — Not  aflected  by  sand,  which  is  readily  dislodged  by 
ordinary  means. 

IOth  Test. — Distributed  in  three  minutes,  and  assembled  in 
three  minutes  and  twenty  seconds. 

XYII.— THE  ROBERTS  BREECH-LOADING  RIFLE. 

Entered  by  General  A.  H.  Pleasanton, 
President  Roberts  B.  L.  Arms  Co.,  New  York. 

DESCRIPTION. 

For  conversion  of  muzzle-loading  arms  and  as  an 
original  arm. 

The  gun  presented  was  an  altered  Springfield  rifle. 
Length  of  barrel,  37]  inches.  Calibre,  .58.  Adapted  to 
rim-fire  cartridges ;  weiglit  of  entire  arm,  9  lbs.  13  ozs. 
For  conversion,  the  barrel  of  original  arm  is  cut  off  in 
front  of  breech-pin,  and  screwed  into  a  receiver.  In 
the  receiver  works  the  breech-block,  which  moves  upon 
the  recoil  seat  by  means  of  a  shoulder,  the  seat  being 
semi-cylindrical  and  the  shoulder  fitting  it.  The  breech- 
block extends  back  over  the  neck  of  the  stock,  form- 
ing a  lever  by  which  tlie  block  is  depressed  to  open 
the  breech,  or  raised  to  close  it,  the  lever  having  reverse 
motions.  To  the  back  end  of  this  lever  is  attached  a 
finger-piece  and  catch,  which,  when  the  breech  is  closed, 
locks  it  securely.  Tlie  breech-block  is  hollowed  out, 
spoon-like  on  its  top,  to  guide  the  cartridge  in  loading, 
and  its  face  is  composed  of  a  steel  plate,  which  presses 


34 

against  the  cartridge  and  has  a  slight  motion  on  the 
block,  being,  as  it  were,  hinged  to  it  horizontally  and 
on  its  centre.  By  means  of  a  projection  on  the  lever, 
which  is  struck  by  the  hammer  in  firing,  the  breech  is 
closed  and  locked  in  cocking  the  piece.  The  retractor 
is  a  simple  elbow  lever,  worked  by  the  breech  mechan- 
ism, and  having  a  positive  action,  and  the  cartridge  is 
ejected  by  the  sudden  movement  in  opening  the  breech. 
The  firing  pin  passes  down  in  recess  in  the  receiver 
beside  the  block.  The  recoil  is  transmitted  in  the  line 
of  the  axis  of  the  barrel  to  the  recoil  seat.  The  cham- 
ber is  made  slightly  conical,  and  cartridges  of  corre- 
sponding form  are  used,  whereby  an  advantage  in  the 
ease  of  retracting  the  case  is  secured.  (See  G  in  table 
of  cartridges.) 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [G]  were  fired  in 
six  minutes  and  fifty  seconds.  Then  fired  with  60  grains  fine 
rifle  powder  and  two  balls  of  670  grains  each.  This  test 
entirely  satisfactory,  the  mechanism  operating  well.  The  barrel 
was  much  heated. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  fine  powder  and  670  grains  lead, 
penetrated  through  fifteen  boards,  striking  iron  plate  behind  with 
some  force. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  General  Pleasanton  fourteen  times  in  one 
minute,  all  the  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired  by  pi'ivate  soldier 
eight  times  in  sixty-two  seconds. 

4th  Test. — Mechanism  very  simple  and  strong.  No  springs 
connected  with  the  breech  or  retractor. 

5th  Test. — Fired  twice  with  60-grain  cartridges  [A],  filed  on 
the  flange  half  way  round,  without  in  any  way  aftecting  the  breech 
or  other  parts  of  the  gun.  Again  fired  twice  with  similar  car- 
tridges filed  all  around  the  flange  except  quarter  of  an  inch  for 
firing-pin  to  strike  on  ;  the  result  entirely  satisfactory,  the  breech 
in  each  case  remaining  locked  and  all  the  mechanism  in  perfect 
working  order.  The  residuum  fouled  the  breech-block,  so  that 
some  difticulty  was  encountered  in  moving  it,  but  soon  worked 


35 

clear,  witliout  any  appliances.  A  similar  cartridge  split  longitu- 
dinally was  lired,  ■without  affecting  any  portion  of  the  gun  ;  the 
cartridge-case,  however,  could  not  be  removed  by  the  retractor, 
owing  to  imperfect  counter-bore,  the  shell  being  expanded  into  the 
inequalities.  This,  however,  is  not  a  fault  of  the  system,  but 
attributable  simply  to  defective  workmanship. 

6th  Test. — Cannot  be  fired  except  when  the  breech  is  nearly 
closed,  the  small  distance  remaining  to  be  closed  not  being  in  any 
way  dangerous,  as  was  proven  in  the  test  of  the  Peabody  rifle 
(see  beyond),  nor  can  cartridge  be  lost  from  the  chamber,  the 
breech-lock  being  very  efiicient. 

Vth  Test. — No  obstructions. 

8th  Test. — After  rusting  it  Avas  impossible  to  open  the  bi'eech 
by  a  steady  pull  on  the  lever,  but  a  sudden  jerk  opened  it,  and 
this  jerk  had  to  be  continued  till  Avorking  surfaces  were  freed 
from  rust.  Three  60-grain  cartridges  [G]  were  then  fired,  the  case 
of  the  first  not  being  retracted,  the  head  being  held  by  the  rusted 
surface,  but  the  cases  of  the  other  two  retracted  and  throAvn  out. 

9th  Test. — Sand  easily  dislodged  by  concussion  and  cleansing 
with  the  fingers. 

IOth  Test. — Distributed  in  four  minutes  and  assembled  in  thi*ee 
minutes  and  forty-five  seconds. 


ARMS  NOT  SPECIALLY  ADAPTED  TO  CONYER- 
SIOI  OF  MUZZLE-LOADERS. 


I.— THE  BALLAKD  BKEECH-LOADING    EIFLE   AND 

CAKBINE. 

Entered  by  Merwin  &  Simpkixs,  New  York  City. 

DESCEIPTION. 

Carbine  presented.  Length  of  barrel,  22  inches. 
Calibre  .45.  Adapted  to  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight 
of  entire  arm,  7  lbs.  8  oz. 

Breech-receiver  in  shape  of  vertical  mortise  through 
a  rectangular  block  into  which  barrel  is  screwed.  The 
breech-block  is  in  two  parts,  divided  by  a  vertical 
plane,  and  containing  the  lock  mechanism.  The  breech- 
block is  operated  by  a  lever  underneath,  by  which  the 
breech-block  and  lock  are  dropped  beneath  the  cham- 
ber so  as  to  insert  the  cartridge,  the  block  having  a 
horizontal  movement  as  well  as  vertical.  No  firing-pin 
is  used,  the  cartridge  being  exploded  directly  by  a  pro- 
jection on  the  face  of  the  hammer.  The  ejector  has  a 
positive  motion  parallel  to  the  barrel,  and  operated  in- 
dependently of  the  breech  mechanism, 

TESTS. 

2d  Test. — With . . .  .grains  powder  and. . . .  grains  lead  the  ball 

penetrated  the board. 

3d  Test. — Fii'ed  by on  behalf  of  exhibitor 


37 

times  in  one  minute,  no  target  being  used.     Fired  by  pri- 
vate soldier  seven  times  in  fifty-seven  seeonds, 

5th  Test. — Fired  with  45-graiu  eartridge  [X]  split  longitudi- 
nally without  aftecting  the  mechanism. 

■   6tii  Test. — Mechanism  strong,  the  retractor  not  operated  by 
breech-lever  but  requiring  independent  movement. 

"Tth  Test. — I^o  objectionable  obstructions. 

8th  Test. — Breech  opened  and  closed  with  difficulty,  and  re- 
quired application  of  oil  to  loosen  the  rust.  Then  fired  with  45- 
grain  cartridges  thrice,  the  several  parts  operating  Avell. 

II.— THE  MILLER  BREECII-LOADING  RIFLE. 

Entered  bv  W.  H.  &  G.  W.  Miller,  West  Meriden 

Connecticut. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  28^  inches.  CaUbre,  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.    Weight  of  entire  arm,  8  lbs.  4  oz. 

Barrel  screwed  into  breech-receiver.  Breech-block  in 
the  form  of  a  segment  of  a  cylinder,  one  of  the  plane 
faces  resting  against  the. head  of  cartridge  in  the  cham- 
ber ;  from  the  top  of  this  breech-face  projects  on  either 
side  an  ear,  which  fits  into  a  notch  in  the  side  of  the 
receiver.  The  breech-block  revolves  on  a  pin  passing 
through  a  horizontal  slot  in  the  block.  The  angle  of 
the  segment  is  rounded  on  a  small  circle  and  geared, 
two  teeth  extending  up  the  vertical  plane.  The  lever 
operating  underneath  is  toothed  on  its  short  arm,  work- 
ing an  intermediate  pinion  whose  teeth  fit  into  those  on 
the  breech-block.  By  drawing  down  the  lever,  motion 
is  communicated  to  the  pinion,  which  by  means  of  the 
teeth  on  the  vertical  plane  of  the  block  raises  the  block 
so  as  to  disengage  the  projecting  ears  from  the  notches 
in  the  receiver,  the  slot  allowing  just  this  upward 
movement ;  the  teeth  of  the  pinion  then  engaging  those 
on  the  small  circle,  the  block  revolves  to  the  rear,  open- 


38 

ing"  the  breecli  for  the  recejDtion  of  the  cartridge.  A 
reverse  movement  closes  the  breech.  Retractor  posi ' 
tive  in  motion  and  operated  by  the  intermediate  pinion. 
The  firing-pin  works  through  the  block  in  usual  man- 
ner.    The  lock  is  central. 


TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  ninety-nine  60  grain  cartridges  [M]  in  nine 
minutes  and  twenty-seven  seconds.  Then  fired  with  60  grains 
powder  and  two  balls  of  435  grains  each — with  satisfactory  result, 
the  several  parts  of  the  mechanism  working  well. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  435  grains  lead  hard- 
ened with  antimony  the  fifteenth  board  was  penetrated.  With 
same  charge  of  poAvder  and  balls  of  pure  lead  the  eighth  board  on 
first  trial  and  the  ninth  board  on  the  second  trial  were  penetrated. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  the  inventor  ten  times  in  one  minute,  four 
balls  entering  the  target.  Fired  by  j^rivate  soldier  six  times  in 
one  minute. 

4th  Test. — The  breech  mechanism  very  strongly  and  perfectly 
constructed,  but  complicated. 

5th  Test. — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [L]  filed  on  the  head 
half  way  round  without  afiecting  the  breech  or  appendages. 
Exj^eriment  repeated  with  same  result.  Fired  with  similar  cart- 
ridge split  longitudinally  without  detriment  to  the  gun. 

6th  Test. — Peculiar  construction  and  lock  of  breech-piece  ren- 
der the  gun  esj^ecially  secure. 

Tth  Test. — Equal  to  other  guns  with  breech  operated  by  lever 
underneath — obstruction  not  objectionable. 

8th  Test. — The  close  fitting  sliding  surfaces  over  which  breech- 
block  revolves  were  so  rusted  that  the  breech  could  not  be  oj^ened. 
A  liberal  aj^plication  of  oil  loosened  the  rust  and  three  45-grain 
cartridges  [N]  were  fired. 

9th  Test. — Sand  working  down  upon  the  gearing  entirely  disa- 
bled the  gun,  nor  could  it  be  removed  except  by  dismounting  the 
piece. 

10th  Test. — Distributed  in  five  minutes  and  assembled  in  nine 
minutes. 


39 

III.— THE  MOEGANSTEIN  BREECH-LOADER. 

Entered  by  Mr.  William  Morganstein, 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

DESCHIl'TION. 

The  gun  having  been  withdrawn  before  a  complete 
examination  and  application  of  tests  could  be  made,  no 
description  of  the  gun  can  be  given.  The  following 
tests  were  made  before  withdrawal. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  with  60-grain  cartridges  thirty-eight  times  in 
four  minutes  and  thirty  seconds,  when  the  gun  was  temporarily 
withdrawn,  the  cartridges  not  being  fitted  for  the  chamber  and 
great  difficulty  experienced  in  retracting  the  cases — until  finally  it 
became  impossible  to  insert  or  withdraw  the  cartridges  except  by 
instrumental  aid.  On  second  trial  ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges 
were  fired  in  nine  minutes  and  fifteen  seconds. 

3d  Test, — Fired  by  inventor  and  average  of  three  trials  twelve 
times  per  minute,  of  which  five  balls  entered  target. 

9th  Test. — Not  materially  afiected  by  sand.  (This  gun  with- 
drawn before  it  could  be  submitted  to  other  tests.) 

lY.— THE  NATIOXAL  RIFLE  AND  CARBIiS'E. 

Entered  by  the  National  Arms  Company, 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  32 ^  inches.  Calibre,  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of  entire  arm,  8  lbs.  4  oz. 

Barrel  screwed  into  breech-receiver.  The  breech- 
block, which  presses  against  the  cartridge-head,  and  the 
recoil-block  are  solid  rectangular  prisms,  filling  the 
receiver  and  transmitting  the  recoil  directly  and  in  line 
of  axis  of  barrel  to  the  recoil-seat.  Both  the  blocks 
are  operated  by  the  same  lever  working  beneath  the 
receiver.  Upon  depressing  the  lever,  the  recoil-block 
is  forced  down  until  its  upper  surface  is  on  the  same 


40 

horizontal  plane  as  the  lower  surface  of  the  breech- 
block, when  the  latter  block  passes  back  horizontally 
and  over'the  recoil-block,  opening  the  breech  for  intro- 
duction of  cartridge.  The  retractor  has  a  positive 
motion,  and  is  operated  by  the  breech-lever.  Side  lock 
with  back  action. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Ninety-one  CO-grain  cartvidges  [L]  were  fired  (and 
eight  tliat  missed  fire  inserted  and  withdrawn)  in  seven  minutes 
and  fi)rty-five  seconds.  Then  fired  with  GO  grains  powder  and 
two  balls  of  380  grains  each  ;  the  result  satisfactory,  the  mechan- 
ism of  the  piece  not  being  afiected. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  380  grains  lead,  pene- 
trated the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired,  on  behalf  of  exhibitors  by  Mr.  Bergen,  eleven 
times  in  one  minute,  seven  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired  by 
private  soldier  nine  times  in  one  minute. 

4tii  Test. — Mechanism  strong  and  not  complicated. 
oTH  Test. — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [L]  filed  three- 
quarters  round  the  flange ;  failed  to  afiect  the  breech  or  append- 
ages, the  gas,  however,  escaping  through  aperture  beneath  and  in 
front  of  breech-block  would  severely  bui-n  the  hand  or  arm  of 
person  firing.  In  another  gun,  in  which  a  larger  vent  for  the  gas 
was  allowed,  two  similar  cartridges,  the  heads  of  which  had  been 
filed  half  way  round,  were  fired,  the  breech  and  machinery  un- 
afl^ected,  but  same  objection  as  before  noticeable,  the  hand 
(especially  in  drawing  it  toward  the  breech,  resting  elbow  against 
the  body  in  taking  steady  aim)  would  be  burned.  The  gun  was 
then  withdrawn,  and  subsequently  presented  with  provision  for 
escape  of  gas  upward,  and  was  fired  by  Mr.  Bergen  from  the 
shoulder  Avith  a  60-grain  cartridge,  filed  through.  There  Avas 
considerable  escape  of  gas  upward  and  a  small  quantity  beneath. 
The  trial  Avas  deemed  satisfactory.  Fired  Avith  similar  cartridge 
split  longitudinally,  Avithout  afi"ecting  the  breech. 

6tii  Test. — Cannot  be  prematurely  discharged,  nor  cartridge 
dropped  from  chamber. 

Ttii  Test. — In  this  respect  same  as  other  breech-loaders,  operated 
by  lever  beneath.     Not  objectionable. 

8th  Test. — It  Avas  impossible  to  move  the  bi-eech-block ;  the 


41 

rust  on  tlu'  lar^i'  slidiii'j;  sui-fiicos  n-sistod  llie  cnlire  j)0\ver  of  tlie 
lover,  At'ter  bciny;  well  oileil,  the  rust  was  softened  and  the 
breech  moved,  and  three  45-grain  cartridges  were  tired,  tlie  piece 
working  well. 

Otii  Test. — Sand  somewhat  crii)])]ed  the  action  of  the  breech, 
but  after  thorough  concussion  ami  cleansing  Avitli  the  lingers, 
most  of  it  was  removed,  and  the  cartridge  introduced  with  some 
difficulty,  but  discharged  and  case  retracted. 

10th  Test. — Dismounted  and  distributed  in  one  minute  and 
forty-five  seconds,  and  assembled  in  three  and  a  half  minutes. 

Y.— THE  POULTNEY  BliEECII-LOADIXG  RIFLE. 
Entered  by  Mr.  Poultney,  Baltimore,  Md. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  3G  inches.  Calibre,  .50.  Adapted  to 
central-lire  cartridges.    \Yeiglit  of  entire  arm,  10  lbs.  8  oz. 

The  barrel  is  screwed  into  a  breech-receiver.  The 
breech-block  and  lever  are  in  one  piece,  the  pivot  of 
rotation  or  fulcruni  being  below  the  line  of  axis  of 
barrel.  The  face  of  the  breech-block  is  a  plane,  the 
top  and  rear  being  rounded  in  the  arc  of  a  circle 
described  around  the  pivot.  The  lever  being  depressed, 
the  block  makes  a  quarter  revolution,  so  that  the  face 
passes  from  a  vertical  to  a  horizontal  position,  parallel 
to  the  axis  of  barrel,  and  in  a  plane  passing  through 
the  lowest  line  of  the  chamber,  so  that  the  cartridge 
placed  upon  it  is  guided  into  position.  AYlien  the 
breech  is  closed,  by  bringing  the  lever  back  and  up,  it 
is  locked  by  a  hook-catch  attached  to  rear  part  of  the 
lever,  and  hooking  into  a  solid-iron  receiver  inserted  in 
imder  side  of  the  stock.  A  spiral  spring  insures  the 
action  of  the  hook,  which  is  disengaged  by  a  thumb 
piece  on  the  lever.  The  pivot  of  rotation  is  a  steel 
])in,  which,  however,  does  not  receive  the  recoil,  which 
is  transmitted  directly  to  the  recoil-seat  back  of  the 


42 

breech-block.  The  retractor  is  positive,  without  springs, 
and  the  case  is  ejected  by  sudden  movement  of  the 
lever.  Has  a  side  lock,  with  back  action.  Firing-pin 
passes  through  breech-block  in  usual  form  and  manner. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [K]  were  fired  in 
seven  minutes  and  twelve  seconds.  Then  fired  with  60  grains 
powder  and  two  balls  of  435  grains  lead  each.  The  breech  and 
appendages  were  not  afi^ected,  and  the  various  parts  worked  well. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  435  grains  lead  pene- 
trated the  thirteenth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  for  inventor  by  Mr.  A.  G,  Sinclair  thirteen  times 
in  fifty-seven  seconds,  four  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired  by 
private  soldier  seven  times  in  sixty-two  seconds. 

4tii  Test. — Mechanism  strong  and  simple. 

5tii  Test. — Fired  with  a  60-grain  cartridge  [K]  filed  half  way 
round  on  head ;  the  breech-block  opened  about  three-sixteenths  of 
an  inch,  the  latch-hook  on  lever  being  loosed.  The  inventor  having 
convinced  the  Board  that  this  result  was  occasioned  by  imperfect 
workmanship,  the  face  of  the  latch-hook  having  been  filed  ofl;'  (as 
was  evident  on  inspection),  he  was  allowed  to  enter  another  and 
more  perfect  gun,  which  was  fired  twice  Avith  60-grain  cartridges 
filed  around  the  flange  two-thirds  the  circumference,  Avithout  open- 
ing the  breech  or  otherwise  deranging  any  part.  The  friction- 
spring  was  then  taken  out  of  the  hook  lever  and  the  gun  fired 
with  cartridge  similarly  prepared  and  Avith  result  as  satisfiictory. 
Fired  Avith  similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally  Avithout  aftecting 
any  part. 

6tii  Test. — Secure  against  premature  discharge.      The  loss  of 
cartridge  Avould  depend  on  the  efliciency  of  the  lever-hook. 
Vtii  Test. — Unobjectionable. 

8th  Test. — Unaffected  by  rust ;  breech  opened  and  closed  Avith 
ease.     Three  60-grain  cartridges  fired  Avitli  satislactory  results. 
9tii  Test. — Sand  readily  dislodged  by  ordinary  means, 

IOtii  Test. — Distributed  in  tAVO  minutes  and  assembled  in  three 
minutes  and  thirty  seconds. 


43 

YI.— THE  PEABODY  UKEECir-LOADIXG    lUFLE. 

Entered  by  Providence  Tool  Company  Armory,  John 
B.  Anthony,  Treasurer,  Providence,  R.  I. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Leng'tli  of  barrel,  35,s  inches.  Calibre,  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of  entire  arm,  9  lbs.  14  oz. 

The  barrel  is  screwed  into  a  breech-receiver.  The 
breech-block  consists  of  a  solid  prism,  pivoted  at  the 
upper  part  of  rear  end,  the  face  being  at  right  angles 
to  axis  of  barrel  except  the  upper  quarter,  which  is 
slightly  rounded  off  in  order  to  pass  readily  over  the 
cartridge-head,  and  also  to  allow  revolution  on  the 
pivot  so  as  to  pass  below  the  chamber.  The  upper  side 
of  block  has  a  spoon-like  groove  which  coincides  Mith 
bottom  of  chamber  when  the  breech  is  open,  guiding 
the  cartridge  to  its  place.  The  guard-lever  is  pivoted 
upon  the  lower  edge  of  receiver,  and  being  an  elbow- 
lever  with  the  short  arm  directed  toward  fulcrum-pin 
of  the  breech-block,  and  terminating  in  a  notch  in  the 
end  of  same,  so  that  when  the  lever  is  thrown  forward 
the  block  is  depressed.  The  extractor  is  another  elbow- 
lever  ;  the  breech-block  in  moving  down  strikes  the 
short  arm  of  this  lever  and  the  other  arm  draws  the 
cartridge  ;  the  impact  of  the  breech-block  being  first  at 
the  end  of  the  lever  giving  power  to  draw  the  case, 
gradually  approaches  the  fulcrum,  giving  increased  mo- 
tion to  eject  it.  The  breech-block  revolves  on  a 
rounded  projection  in  its  rear,  moving  in  corresponding- 
cavity  in  the  recoil  seat,  thus  giving  a  secure  bearing, 
the  pivot  serving  simply  to  keep  the  block  in  place.  A 
brace-lever  is  pivoted  to  the  breech-block  three-quarters 
of  an  inch  from  its  face,  and  Iving-  in  a  recess  in  under 
side  of   the  block,  with  a  strong  spring  between  the 


44 

brace  and  block  pressing  the  back  end  of  the  brace 
upon  a  friction  roller  ;  the  entire  combination  fastening* 
securely  the  breech-block  and  guard-lever  in  place 
when  the  breech  is  closed.  The  lock  is  an  ordinary 
back-action  lock,  and  firing-pin  in  usual  shape. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — One  hundred  60-grain  cartridges  [M]  were  fired  in 
four  minutes  and  fifty-five  seconds.  The  gun  barrel  was  highly 
heated  and  much  fouled,  but  the  mechanism  of  the  breech  worked 
well.  Rigidly  held  in  the  fixed  rest  in  a  horizontal  position,  the 
empty  cases  were  thrown  back  against  the  hammer  and  had  to  be 
removed  now  and  then,  but  in  actual  practice  this  would  not 
frequently  occur,  nor  at  the  Avorst  be  a  serious  disadvantage. 
Fired  then  with  60  grains  powder  and  two  balls  of  435  grains 
lead  each — result  entirely  satisfactory. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  4.35  grains  lead  pene- 
trated to  the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  the  inventor  twelve  shots  in  one  minute, 
nine  of  which  entered  the  target.     Fired  by  private  soldier. 

4th  Test. — Mechanism  strong  and  simple  ;  no  springs  used  in 
the  retractor.  The  onl}^  spring  being  attached  to  tlie  brace-lever 
— this  lever  and  sj^ring  being  removed  the  gun  was  fired  several 
times,  the  breech  being  closed  by  the  hand  pressed  on  the  lever 
and  also  by  simply  binding  with  a  slight  cord,  showing  that  these 
parts  are  essential  only  as  a  friction  or  pressure  lock  to  keep 
breech  closed. 

5th  Test. — Fired  twice  Avith  60-grain  cartridges  [M]  filed  all 
around  the  flange  so  as  to  burst  head  out,  without  affecting  the 
mechanism.  Fired  with  similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally  with 
same  result. 

6Tn  Test. — To  determine  if  the  breech  could  be  left  partially 
open  and  the  gun  fired  with  impunity,  the  breech-block  was 
dropped  one-eighth  of  an  inch  below  position  when  closed  and 
secured  there,  then  fired  Avith  60-grain  cartridge  without  any 
noticeable  effect  on  the  mechanism  or  escape  of  gas.  The  breech- 
block was  then  dropped  about  three-sixteenths  of  an  inch  and  a 
60-grain  cartridge  fired  Avith  same  result  as  before.  At  any  point 
beloAV  the  last  the  hammer  Avould  fail  to  explode  the  cartridge. 
The  cartridge  in  chamber  not  likely  to  be  lost  out  as  the  locking 
device  secures  the  breech-block  in  place. 


45 

7th  Tkst. — Xot  more  objectionable  than  muzzle-loaders  a.s  the 
breech-lever  is  about  the  same  as  ordinary  trigger-guard. 

8tii  Test. — Breech  opened  and  closed  readily,  and  all  parts 
worked  freely.  Fired  thrice  with  60-grain  cartridges  [M]  with 
satisfactory  results. 

9th  Test. — Sand  was  readily  dislodged  witliout  disabling  the 
gun  and  several  cartridges  were  fired  with  satisfactory  results. 

10th  Test. — Distributed  in  thirty  seconds  and  assembled  in  one 
minute. 

YII._TnE  EEMIXGTON  IMPROVED  BREECH- 
LOADING  RIFLE. 

Entered  by  F.  Remington  &  Son.s,  Ilion,  N.  Y. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  Barrel  30  inches.  CaUbre  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridg-es.    Weight  of  entire  arm  8  lbs.  2  ozs. 

The  breech  mechanism  and  lock  action  are  in  this 
arm  combined.  The  barrel  is  screwed  into  a  breech 
receiver.  The  breech-block  consists  of  a  solid  piece 
of  metal  revolving  on  a  steel  pin  (half  inch  in  diame- 
ter) the  pin  being  bisected  by  a  plane  passing  throiigli 
the  rear  of  chamber  and  its  centre  .72  of  an  inch  below 
axis  of  barrel.  Immediately  above  the  face  of  the 
block  is  a  projecting  thumb-piece  for  manipulating  the 
block,  back  of  which  it  is  worked  to  a  circle  described 
from  centre  of  pin.  Tlie  hammer  moves  upon  a  similar 
pin,  the  centre  being  1.47  inch  back  of  centre  of  block 
pin  and  1.42  inch  below  the  line  of  axis  of  barrel. 
The  hammer  and  tumbler  are  in  one  piece.  The  rear 
of  the  breech-block  revolves  in  corresponding  concavity 
in  the  hammer  block,  and  the  recoil  bears  upon  both 
the  pivots  of  revolution.  To  open  the  breech  the 
hammer  is  pLaced  at  half-cock  the  breech  block  then 
drawn  back  by  means  of  the  thumb-piece,  the  cartridge 
inserted   and  breech    closed  by   means   of  the  thumb 


46 

piece.  When  closed  it  is  locked  by  the  hammer  which 
rests  immediately  upon  the  rear  of  the  breech-block, 
through  which  the  firing  pin  passes.  The  retractor  is 
positive,  without  springs  and  operated  by  means  of  a  lip 
on  the  breech-block.  In  a  lately  modified  arm  exhib- 
ited to  the  Board  the  act  of  cocking  the  hammer  opens 
the  breech  without  other  motion,  and  the  breech  is 
locked  independently  of  the  hammer.  The  breech 
mechanism  of  tliis  arm  is  remarkably  simple,  taken  in 
connection  with  the  lock. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [L]  were  fired  in  six 
minutes  and  fifty-one  seconds  ;  then  fired  with  60  grains  fine  rifle 
powder  and  two  balls  of  380  grains  each.  The  result  entirely 
satisfiictory,  the  breech  mechanism  not  being  in  any  way  im- 
paired, all  parts  Avorking  well. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  fine  powder  and  380  grains  lead  pen- 
etrated the  twelfth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  Col.  Squire  on  behalf  of  exhibitors  eleven 
times  in  one  minute,  six  balls  striking  the  target. 

4tii  Test. — Mechanism  remarkably  simple  and  strong. 

5tii  Test. — Fired  twice  with  60-grain  cartridges  [L]  filed  on  the 
head  two-thirds  around  without  in  any  Avay  aifecting  the  gun.  A 
similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally  Avas  fired  with  same  result. 

6tii  Test. — Cannot  be  fired  unless  breech  is  fully  closed,  nor 
can  cartridge  be  lost  from  chamber. 

7tii  Test. — Same  as  muzzle-loader. 

8tii  Test. — Not  afl:ectcd  by  rust,  though  hammer  was  difficult 
to  move,  but  after  Avorking  to  and  fro  several  times  recovered  its 
ease  of  motion,  and  three  60-graiu  cartridges  were  fired  with 
satisfactory  result. 

9tii  Test. — On  first  trial  upon  introduction  of  sand  the  parts 
were  attempted  to  be  Avorked  Avithout  first  blowing  or  brushing 
ofl:*  the  sand  in  the  manner  alloAved,  and  did  not  move  Avith  entire 
freedom  ;  but  thorough  trial  subsequently  proved  that  this  arm 
Avould  stand  this  test  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  Board. 

IOtii  Test. — Distributed  in  twenty-five  seconds  and  assembled 
in  forty-five  seconds. 


47 

Yin.— THE  PvOBEKTSON   6:    SIMPSON  BREECII- 

LOADIXG  GUN. 

Entered  by  Messrs.  Robertson  &  Simpson, 

Hartford,  Conn. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Lenj^tli  of  barrel,  22  inches.     Calibre  .50.     Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.    AYeiglit  of  entire  arm,  8lbs.  13oz. 

Barrel  screwed  into  a  breech-receiver.  The  breech- 
block pivoted  to  receiver  at  a  point  below  the  bottom 
of  the  chamber  and  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch 
back  of  perpendicular,  falling  through  rear  of  chamber. 
Tlie  guard-lever  is  pivoted  on  the  lower  edge  and  front 
end  of  receiver,  the  centre  being  vertically  below  rear 
of  chamber ;  about  one-fifteenth  inch  back  of  pivot  of 
guard-lever  is  pivoted  to  it  a  link,  the  other  end  of 
which  is  pivoted  to  the  lower  end  of  the  breech-block. 
From  centre  to  centre  of  pivots  of  link  is  about  one 
inch,  and  from  pivot  of  link  on  breech-block  to  pivot 
of  revolution  of  latter  is  about  1]  inches.  The  guard- 
lever  and  block  are  connected  only  by  intervention  of 
this  link.  When  the  breech  is  closed  the  centre  of  link 
pivot  on  the  guard-lever  is  above  and  forward  of  a  line 
drawn  through  the  centre  of  the  link  pivot  on  the 
breech-block  and  the  pivot  of  revolution  of  the  guard- 
lever,  and  any  recoil  against  the  face  of  the  block  tends 
to  draw  the  lever  up  and  secure  the  breech.  By  de- 
pressing the  lever,  the  breech-block  revolving  on  its 
pivot  falls  back  sufficiently  for  easy  insertion  of  the 
carti-idge.  The  recoil  is  transmitted  directly  from  the 
block  to  the  recoil  seat.  There  are  two  retractors,  com- 
posed of  peculiarly  bent  levers  pivoted  on  each  side  of 
breech-block  and  worked  from  a  short  arm  to  a  long: 
one,  giving  rapidity  of  motion  to  eject  the  shell  with- 
out the  employment  of  springs. 


48 


TESTS. 


1st  Test. — Ninety-nine  45-gi-ain  cartridges  [N]  fired  in  eight 
minutes  and  thirty  seconds  ;  then  fired  witli  45  grains  powder 
and  two  balls  of  835  grains  lead  each,  the  gun  operating  well. 

2d  Test. — With  45  grains  powder  and  335  grains  lead  pene- 
trated the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  Mr.  G.  W.  Simpson  nine  times  in  a  minute, 
five  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired.by  private  soldier  seven  times 
in  one  minute. 

4th  Test. — Strong  and  not  complicated. 

5th  Test. — Fired  twice  with  60-grain  cartridges  [L]  filed  on 
two-thirds  of  the  rim,  without  in  any  manner  affecting  the  mech- 
anism.    Same  result  on  firing  similar  cartridge  split  longitudinally. 

6th  Test. — Unobjectionable. 

'?TH  Test. — Same  as  other  good  lever  guns. 

8th  Test. — Surfjices  were  well  rusted,  but  breech  opened  and 
closed  by  ordinary  action  of  lever,  though  working  hard.  Three 
45-grain  cartridges  fired  with  satisfactory  results. 

9th  Test. — On  fii'St  trial,  gun  completely  disabled,  the  sand 
lodging  back  of  breech-block,  and  the  working  parts  being  closely 
fitted,  it  could  not  be  readily  removed.  The  gun,  being  with- 
drawn, was  repaired  and  modified,  and  upon  reapplication  of  the 
test  worked  tolerably  well. 

10th  Test. — Dismounted  in  one  minute  and  five  seconds,  and 
assembled  in  one  minute  and  fifty-five  seconds. 

IX.— THE  SHARP^S  BKEECH-LOADING  EIFLE. 

Entered   by   Sharp's    Rifle    Manufacturing    Co., 

Hartford,  Conn. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  22]  inches.  Cahbre,  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.     Weight  of  entire  arm,  8  lbs. 

Barrel  screwed  into  breech  receiver.  A  sliding  breech- 
block, moving  nearly  at  right  angles  to  axis  of  barrel, 
operated  by  a  lever  pivoted  to  lower  front  part  of 
receiver.  As  the  lever  is  depressed,  the  breech-block 
is  drawn  down  and  slightly  back  from  a  perpendicular, 
drojoped  from  the  rear  of  the  chamber,  the  cartridge 


49 

being-  inserted  and  the  lever  drawn  up,  the  bkick  moves 
up  Avith  a  wedging  motion,  pressing  the  cartridge  to  its 
phice  :  tliis  wedging  motion  is  about  one-eighth  of  an 
incli.  Tlie  firing-})in  ])asses  througli  tlie  breech-block 
in  the  usual  manner.  The  retractor  is  an  elboAV  lever, 
with  a  long  and  short  arm,  operated  by  the  end  of  the 
guard  lever,  and  drawing  the  shell  and  ejecting  it.  The 
gun,  except  slight  modifications  to  adapt  to  the  metallic 
ammunition,  is  in  all  respects  the  same  as  the  paper  or 
linen  cartridge  guns  from  the  same  source,  and  possesses 
the  same  merits  in  regard  to  strength  and  perfection  of 
workmanship. 

TKSTS. 

1st  Test. — Xiiioty-niiie  OO-graiii  cartridges  [L]  iired  in  six 
ininutes  ami  forty-oight  seconds.  Then  Hred  with  60  grains 
fine  ritie  powder  and  two  balls  of  380  grains  each.  The  test 
entirely  satisfactory. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  electric  powder  and  380  grains  lead, 
penetrated  the  thirteenth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  for  exhibitors  by  Mr.  R.  S.  Lawrence,  thirteen 
times  in  one  minute,  eleven  balls  striking  the  target.  Fired  by 
private  soldier  eight  times  in  lifty-eight  seconds. 

4th  Test. — Mechanism  very  strong  and  simple. 

5tii  Test. — Fired  twice  with  60-grain  cartridges  [L]  filed  on 
the  lim,  Avithout  affecting  the  gun.  Same  result  with  similar  car- 
ridge  split  longitudinally. 

6th  Te.st. — In  order  to  determine  if  a  cartridge  partially  in- 
serted would  l)e  exploded  by  the  breech-block  being  forced  into 
place,  a  45-grain  cartridge  was  placed  in  the  chamber  with  the 
head  protruding  three-thirty-two  parts  of  an  inch,  and  the  breech 
suddenly  and  forcibly  closed.  The  block  crushed  in  the  fulminated 
rim  of  the  cartridge  without  igniting  it.  The  cartridge  can  be 
fired  only  when  breech  is  closed,  and  cannot  be  dropped  from 
chamber. 

Ttii  Test. — The  same  as  other  lever  guns. 

8tii  Test. — The   working   parts    were    well    rusted,    but    were 
readily  moved  by  ordinary  action  of  the  lever,  and  thi-ee  45-grain 
cartridges  were  fired  willi  satisfactory  results. 
i 


50 

9x11  Test. — Sand  entirely  disabled  the  gun,  the  granules  work- 
ing behind  the  retractor,  and  preventing  the  breech  from  being 
closed. 

10th  Test. — Dismounted  and  distributed  in  fifty-si.x  seconds, 
and  assembled  in  one  minute  and  twenty-six  seconds. 

X.— THE    THUNDERBOLT    BREECH-LOADmG 

EIFLE. 

Entered  by  Howard  Brothers,  New   Haven,    Conn. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  33  inches  ;  6  grooves  Calibre,  .46. 
Adapted  to  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of  entire  arm, 
9  lbs. 

Combined  breech  meclianism  and  lock.  A  slot  is 
cut  through  the  under  side  of  the  barrel  (in  front  of 
the  breech-pin),  sufficiently  large  for  insertion  of  the 
cartridge  and  to  attach  the  guard  lever  to  the  sliding- 
bolt  or  breech-block.  The  guard  lever  at  about  two 
inches  from  its  forward  end  is  pivoted  by  the  interven- 
tion of  a  curved  link  to  the  barrel  just  forward  of  the 
trigger,  the  extreme  end  of  lever  being  pivoted  to  the 
breech-block,  which  is  a  circular  bolt  just  fitting  the 
bore  of  the  chamber.  When  the  lever  is  depressed  till  at 
right  angles  to  the  barrel,  the  breech  is  fully  open  and 
the  operation  of  closing,  cocks  the  piece  ;  by  pressing 
slightly  on  the  trigger,  in  closing  the  breech,  the  gun  is 
not  cocked,  but  can  be  cocked  by  depressing  the  guard 
a  short  distance.  The  lock  consists  of  a  hammer-rod 
and  spiral  spring  inclosed  within  the  receiver,  back  of 
breech  block.  When  the  block  is  slid  back  to  open  the 
breech,  the  sear  of  the  trigger  catches  into  the  notch  of 
the  hammer-rod  and  holds  it,  then  as  the  breech-block 
is  returned,  the  sj^iral  spring  is  compressed  and  the 
hammer-rod  being  released  by  pulling  the  trigger,  the 


51 

spring  throws  it  forward  against  the  firing  pin.  The 
retractor  lias  a  positive  motion  and  is  operated  by  tlie 
guard  lever. 

TESTS. 

1st  TicsT. — Niiicty-nine  45-graiu  cartridges  [P]  fired  in  four 
minutes  and  fifty  seconds  ;  then  fired  with  45  grains  of  powder 
and  two  balls  of  300  grains  lead  each.  The  mechanism  of  the 
gun  operated  well  and  was  in  no  manner  deranged. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  3  70  grains  lead  pene- 
trated the  eleventh  board.  Second  trial  with  same  charge  pene- 
trated the  fourteenth  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  Mr.  Howard  sixteen  times  in  one  minute, 
four  balls  striking  the  target. 

[The  time  limited  by  the  Board  for  actual  trials  liaving  expired, 
this  gun  could  not  be  submitted  to  further  tests.] 


MAGAZmE  OR  REPEATOG  ARMS. 


I.— BALL'S  KEPEATIXG  AND  SINGLE-LOADING 

CAEBINE. 
Entered  by  the  Windsor  Manufacturing  Company, 

Windsor,  Vt. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  22  inches.  Cahbre,  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of  entire  arm  (unloaded), 
7  lbs.  12  oz.  Weight  with  magazine  charged  (nine  cart- 
ridges), 8  lbs.  bl  oz. 

The  necessarily  more  or  less  complicated  mechanism 
of  a  repeating  arm  renders  a  merely  verbal  description 
unsatisfactory  and  incomplete,  as  the  aid  of  diagrams 
is  necessary  to  an  intelligible  illustration  ;  brief  men- 
tion therefore  will  be  made,  and  onlv  reg-ardino-  the 
more  remarkable  features  of  the  arm.  The  magazine 
is  a  brass  tube  incased  in  the  stock,  immediately  be- 
neath the  barrel,  the  cartridge  being  propelled  toward 
the  breech  by  the  agency  of  a  spiral  spring ;  at  the 
mouth  of  the  magazine  is  a  "  cut-off, "  by  which  the 
passage  of  the  cartridges  is  prevented  when  they  are  to 
be  held  in  reserve  and  the  arm  used  as  a  single-shooter. 

The  carrier-block  receives  the  cartridge  from  the 
magazine,  and  by  a  most  ingenious  movement  carries  it 
to  its  place  in  the  barrel,  being  operated  by  a  lever  be- 


53 

neutli.  The  chamber  is  partly  in  the  barrel  and  the 
remainder  in  the  carrier-block  which  supports  the  cart- 
ridge during-  the  explosion,  the  recoil  being  transmitted 
through  the  recoil-brace  to  the  recoil-seat,  the  brace 
being"  operated  by  a  safety-wing  attached  to  the  tum- 
bler of  the  lock,  by  which  means  also  a  premature  ex- 
plosion is  prevented.  The  ejector  not  only  expels  the 
cartridge-case,  but  also  holds  the  cartridge  in  the  block 
as  it  is  carried  into  the  barrel. 

TESTS. 

IstTkst. — Dischai'sfed  niiu'tv-ijino  45-<rrain  cartrid<2:es  fXIin 
six  minutes  aud  thirty  seconds,  tlie  magazine  (holding  nine  cart- 
ridges) being  filled  eleven  times.  Of  this  number  oidy  75 
exploded,  the  remaining  24  being  led  lo  the  chamber  and  ejected. 
These  cartridges  were  then  again  i)laeed  in  the  magazine  and  fired. 
The  breecli  was  not  aft'ected  nor  the  mechanism  in  any  way 
deranged. 

2n  Test. — With  45  grains  powder  and  3.35  grains  lead,  pene- 
trated the  twelfth  board. 

3d  Test. — Being  fired  several  times  for  exhibitor  the  best 
result  was  sixteen  shots  in  oiie  minute,  the  magazine  being  emptied 
and  seven  additional  cartridges  inserted  in  the  chamber,  of  which 
ten  balls  struck  the  target.  Fired  by  private  soldier  nine  times  in 
one  minute,  of  which  thirty-four  seconds  were  occupied  in  filling 
the  magazine. 

4th  Test. — Complicated  as  is  unavoidable  in  a  repeating  arm, 
but  apparent!}'  stable. 

5tii  Test. — Fired  with  a  45-grain  cartridge  filed  on  the  rim  half 
way  round,  the  breech  remaining  closed  and  mechanism  unim- 
paired, but  a  piece  of  the  stock  between  the  lock  and  tang  was 
blown  off  by  the  reaction  of  the  gas.  Fired  with  similar  cartridge 
split  longitudinally  without  affecting  the  arm. 

6tii  Test. — Secure  against  premature  discharge  or  loss  of  the 
cartridges  from  magazine.  (In  regard  to  explosion  of  cartridges 
in  magazine  see  report  on  cartridges  beyond.) 

Ttii  Test. — Unobjectionable. 

8tii  Test. — Breech  opened  and  closed  easily  and  three  cartridges 
fired  with  satisfactorv  results. 


54 

9tii  test. — Sand  greatly  obslrncted  tlie  action  of  this  arm  and 
it  could  be  dislodged  only  after  laborious  effort.  After  thorough 
cleanino:,  a  cartridge  was  introduced  and  dischari^ed, 

IOtii  test. — Time  of  distribution  and  asseniblins:  not  recorded 

II.— THE   SPEXC^ER  EEPEATIXG  PJFLE. 

Entered   by    "  Spencer   Repeating    Rifle    Co.," 

Boston,  Mass. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Length  of  barrel,  29i  inches.  Calibre  .50.  Adapted 
to  rim-fire  cartridges.  Weight  of  entire  arm  (unloaded), 
10  pounds  ;  with  magazine  filled,  10^  pounds. 

As  remarked  in  regard  to  the  "  Ball  Carbine,"  a 
merely  verbal  description  of  a  repeating  arm  is  impossi- 
ble. The  Spencer  rifle  having  been  extensively  used 
during  the  late  war,  is  probably  better  known  than  any 
other  similar  arm.  The  magazine  is  located  in  the 
stock  in  the  butt  of  the  gun,  and  contains  seven  car- 
tridges, which  can  be  held  in  reserve  and  the  gun  used 
as  a  single-shooter.  The  carrier  and  breech-blocks  and 
the  ejector  are  operated  by  a  lever  beneath. 

TESTS. 

1st  Test. — Fired  ninety-nine  60-grain  cartridges  [I]  in  eight 
minutes  and  twenty  seconds,  the  magazine  being  successively 
filled  and  exhausted ;  then  fired  with  60  grains  powder  and  two 
balls  of  380  grains  lead  each.  The  result  entirely  satisfactory,  the 
arm  working  Avell  in  all  respects. 

2d  Test. — With  60  grains  powder  and  380  grains  lead,  pene- 
trated the  eleventh  board. 

3d  Test. — Fired  by  Mr.  Spencer  nine  times  in  one  minute, 
seven  balls  striking  the  target,  the  magazine  containing  seven  cart- 
ridges,  and  two  being  loaded  at  the  breech.  In  firing  by  private 
soldier  the  ejector  broke,  there  being  a  flaw  in  the  metal,  and  the 
trial  was  not  completed. 

4th  Test. — Complicated,  as  in  all  repeating  arms,  but  strong 
and  well  constructed. 


55 

5TII  Tkst. — Owing  to  breakage  of  ejector,  as  noted  above,  the 
trial  Avilli  iniperfect  cartridges  was  not  made.  (Keference  is 
directed  to  experiment  with  central-lire  cartridges,  in  report  on 
"  cartridges,"  beyond.) 

6rH  Tkst. — Secure  in  these  respects. 

Vtii  Tkst. — Unobjectionable. 

8tii  Tkst. — Breech  opened  and  closed  readil}'. 

9tii  Tkst. — Xot  affected  by  sand,  which  was  easily  dislodged. 

10th  Tkst. — Time  occupied  in  distribution  and  re-assembling 
not  recorded. 

III._GEAY'S  REPEATING  CARBINE. 

Entered  by  Mr.  Joshua  Gray, 
Boston,  Mass. 

This  arm  was  not  prepared  for  submission  to  all  the 
tests,  the  one  presented  being-  a  model,  a  portion  of  the 
working  parts  being"  made  of  a  composition  metal.  It 
appeared  to  the  Board  to  possess  several  distinctive  and 
meritorious  features.  The  magazine,  containing  seven 
cartridges,  lies  immediately  beneath  and  parallel  to  the 
barrel.  Using  the  charges  in  the  magazine,  and  then 
firing  as  a  single-loader,  it  was  discharged  twenty  times 
in  one  minute  and  forty-five  seconds. 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  Winchester  Repeat- 
ing Rifle  was  exhibited  to  the  Board,  by  Mr.  Winches- 
ter, who,  however,  could  not  spare  an  arm  for  the  trials. 


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57 

The  several  arms  examined  and  tested  by  the  Board  may 
be  divided  into  live  distinct  classes  or  systems,  based  upon  the 
attachment  and  movement  of  the  breech-block, 

1st  Class. — The  breech-block  hinged  to  front  or  rear  of  re- 
ceiver and  moving  in  a  plane  parallel  to  the  axis  of  the  barrel : 
in  which  are  included  the  Allin,  Berdan,  Ilubbell,  Joslyn's 
swing-breech,  Lamson,  Milbank,  and  Montstorm,  all  adapted 
to  conversion  of  muzzle-loaders. 

2d  Class. — The  breech-block  hinged  to  the  left  hand  side 
of  receiver  and  moving  in  a  plane  at  right  angles  to  the  axis  of 
the  barrel ;  including  the  Empire  No.  1,-  and  the  Joslyn's  Cap, 
both  being  adapted  to  conversions, 

3d  Class. — The  breech-ljlock  moving  on  a  pivot  at  its  rear 
end,  and  the  forward  end  dropping  in  the  receiver  below  the 
chamber,  for  insertion  of  cartridge ;  including  the  Eoberts, 
adapted  to  conversion,  and  the  Peabody  intended  for  original 
arms. 

4™  Class. — The  breech-block  pivoted  at  its  lower  front 
portion,  near  the  front  of  receiver  and  below  the  level  of 
chamber,  revolving  in  a  vertical  plane  passing  through  axis 
of  barrel,  falling  back  to  open  the  chamber  and  forward  to 
close  it;  including  the  Miller,  Poultney,  Eemington  and  the 
Robertson  and  Simpson,  all  intended  for  original  arms. 

5th  Class. — The  breech-block  sliding  in  the  receiver,  either 
horizontally  or  vertically,  including  the  Gray  and  the  Meigs, 
both  adapted  to  conversion,  and  the  Ballard,  National  and 
Sharps,  intended  for  original  arms. 

In  addition  to  which  classification  is  the  Empire  No.  2, 
having  no  moveable  breech-block,  the  motion  being  in  the 
barrel. 

After  careful  deliberation  and  discussion  the  Board  has  con- 
cluded : 

1st,  That  in  the  arms  included  in  classes  1  and  2,  tliere  is 
an  objection  to  the  extensive  movement  of  the  breech-block, 
upward  and  forward  in  opening  the  breech  and  vice  versa  in 
closing  it.  And  furthermore  that  it  is  an  undecided  question 
whether  the  hinge  attachment  is  sufhciently  stable  to  withstand 
the  trial  of  long  continued  service. 
8 


58 

2d.  Tliat  breecli-bloeks  liinged  as  in  classes  1  and  2,  require 
for  tlieir  efficient  locking  when  closed,  some  suitable  device 
independent  of  the  friction  of  the  parts  or  the  resistance  of  recoil. 

3d.  That  breech-blocks  hinged  as  in  class  2,  on  the  left  hand 
side  of  the  barrel,  are  awkward  and  inconvenient  for  the  execu- 
tion of  the  manual  of  arms  in  loading  and  firing. 

4th.  That  arms  of  class  3,  having  breech-lever  above  the 
stock  are  objectionable  as  the  location  of  the  lever  involves  a 
constrained  position  of  the  arm,  with  consequent  loss  of  power 
or  an  alternative  change  of  position  of  the  gun  to  readily  operate 
the  lever  in  loading  and  firing. 

5th.  That  large  sliding  surfaces,  as  generally  used  in  class  5, 
are  objectionable,  as  being  readily  affected  by  rust,  dust  and 
sand,  and  probably  by  wear  upon  the  bearing  surfaces  by  con- 
tinued use. 

6th.  That  any  movement  of  the  barrel  is  objectionable,  as 
it  should  be  the  stable  part  of  the  arm,  the  "  bed  plate "  (to 
borrow  a  term)  to  which  the  lighter  parts  are  attached ;  and 
that  from  its  superior  weight  and  the  unavoidable  division  of 
the  stock,  its  movement  relative  to  the  other  parts  is  in  itself 
a  source  of  weakness,  which  would  probably  increase  with  con- 
tinued service. 

Ttli.  That  extensive  lever  movement  is  objectionable  as 
prolonging  the  time  occupied  in  its  action,  and  the  liability 
of  accidentally  bending  the  lever  or  otherwise  deranging  the 
arm,  when  the  breech  is  open  and  the  lever  at  its  greatest  angle 
with  axis  of  barrel. 

8th.  That  the  retraction  of  the  cartridge  case  should  be  by  a 
positive  motion  and  by  strong  and  durable  appliances,  and  that 
dependence  upon  springs  to  eject  or  accelerate  the  motion  of 
the  case  is  objectionable,  as  they  are  liable  to  breakage  or  loss 
of  power  and  furthermore  as  the  same  result  may  be  obtained 
by  rapidity  of  motion  applied  to  the  retractor, 

9th.  That  openings  through  the  chamber  or  bottom  of  re- 
ceiver are  objectionable,  whether  made  for  j^assage  of  retractor 
or  ejector,  or  for  other  purposes,  as  affording  opportunity  for 
the  passage  and  action  of  gas  if  cartridge  case  should  burst,  or 
of  water  when  exposed  to  the  weather. 


59 

lOtli.  That  the  firing  pin  slionld  be  strong  and  in  not  more 
tlian  two  parts,  acting  as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  same  straight 
line,  bnt  preferably  in  a  single  piece. 

And  furthermore  the  Board  would  specially  report : 

11th.  That  in  the  conversion  of  arms  now  owned  l)y  the 
State,  the  re-enforcement  of  the  barrels  of  .577  and  .58 
calibre  in  order  to  reduce  them  to  .45,  or  .50,  or  other  smaller 
calibre,  by  reaming  out  the  grooves  and  inserting  a  tube,  is  not 
desirable ;  for  while  it  is  conceded  that  such  reduction  may,  in 
some  degree,  increase  the  accuracy,  penetration  and  range,  it  is 
concluded  that  such  increased  efficiency  is  not  commensurate 
with  the  additional  cost  and  weight  required  to  insure  it,  nor  is 
the  Board  entirely  satisfied  that  the  processes  thus  far  adptead 
for  such  reduction  of  calibre  are  such  as  to  secure  a  permanent 
adhesion  of  the  two  tubes  after  prolonged  service.  But  in  the 
manufacture  of  new  arms  the  Board  recommends  the  adoption 
of  the  calibre  of  .50,  as  o-ivino;  the  best  results  in  reofard  to 
range,  accuracy  and  penetration,  combined  with  the  most 
convenient  form  of  cartridije. 

12th.  Tliat  the  experiments  made  by  the  Board  were  not 
sufficiently  extended  to  determine  the  result  of  reduction  of 
the  size  of  working  parts  by  continued  wear  in  service,  which 
could  not  be  simulated  by  filing  or  other  artificial  means,  and 
that  such  result  could  be  obtained  only  by  actual  trial,  b}'^  sub- 
mitting the  arms  to  the  established  maximum  of  discharges, 
combined  with  such  rusting  and  cleaning  as  such  number  would 
properly  represent. 

Of  the  arms  presented  to  and  tested  by  the  Board,  it  reports 
as  follows : 

I.  Of  those  adapted  to  the  conversion  of  muzzle-loaders,  they 
deem  the  Allin,  the  Berdax,  and  the  Roberts  as  superior  in 
all  respects  to  any  and  all  the  others.  But  each  of  these  arms 
possessing  distinctive  features,  more  or  less  meritorious  in  them- 
selves and  in  their  combination,  the  Board  recommends  a  further 
and  more  extended  competitive  trial  of  these  several  arms,  under 
such  rigid  regulations  and  requirements  as  the  Board  may 
establish,  to  which  regulations  and  requirements  the  several  com 
petitors  shall  consent  and  subscribe  before  entering  their  arms. 


60 

Of  tlie  remaining  arms  adapted  to  conversion,  the  Board 
would  place  in  order  of  merit,  as  follows : 

4tli.  Joslyn's  Cap  Gun,  Objecting  to  insufficiency  of  recoil 
seat,  and  to  tlie  weakening  of  stock,  by  cutting  away. 

5tli.  Meigs'  Alteration.  Eeference  being  made  to  the  6th 
point  in  the  conclusions  above  recited ;  to  failure  under  the  8th 
test,  and  also  to  the  slightness  of  guard  plate  and  appendages 
which  are  liable  to  bending  and  consequent  increased  friction 
in  operation. 

6tli.  Gray's  Gun.  Objection  being  made  to  extensive  move- 
ment of  lever  and  breech-l)lock,  and  to  failure  under  the  5th  test. 

Tth.  Milbank's  Alteration.  Objection  being  made  to  cut- 
ting away  the  barrel  too  much  to  form  receiver,  and  weakening 
same,  and  failure  under  the  5th  test. 

8th.  Lamson's  Gun.  Serious  failure  under  the  fifth  test. 
(Since  the  close  of  trials  by  the  Board,  this  gun  has  been  ex- 
hibited to  the  members  with  such  improvements  as  would 
obviously  appear  to  avoid  the  serious  objections  made  to  it,  and 
render  it  capable  of  resisting  the  explosion  of  an  imperfect 
cartridge  case.) 

11.  Of  original  arms  not  adapted  to  conversion,  the  Board 
would  report  in  order  of  merit,  as  follows : 

1st.  The  Bemington  Kifle,  with  latest  improvements  as  ex- 
hibited to  the  Board. 

2d.  The  Peabody  Rifle. 

3d.  The  Poultney  Rifle.  Objection  being  made  to  depend- 
ence on  hook-catch  to  secure  the  locking  of  breech. 

4th.  The  National  Rifle.  Reference  being  made  to  5th 
conclusion  of  the  Board  and  failure  under  8tli  test. 

5th.  Robertson  &  Simpson.  Reference  being  made  to  the 
6tli  conclusion  of  the  Board  and  partial  failure  under  9th  test. 

6th.  Sharps  Rifle.  An  exceedingly  strong  and  durable  arm, 
but  failed  entirely  under  9th  test.  Better  adapted  to  paper  or 
linen  cartridges  as  originally  intended. 

Tth.  Ballard's  Rifle.  Liable  to  be  clogged  by  sand  or  rust, 
and  to  objections  recited  in  6th  conclusion. 

8th.  Miller's  Rifle.  Mechanism  too  complicated  and 
entirely  deranged  by  9th  test. 


61 

ITT,  In  i-eu;anl  to  ^fa^azinc  or  Ivcpeating  Anns,  the  Board 
is  convinced  that,  tbr  tlie  present,  their  nse  shonld  he  confined 
to  the  cavah'j  service,  as  an  examination  of  the  record  shows 
that  single  breech-loaders  are  capable  of  being  fired  at  least  as 
many  times  per  minnte  as  a  repeating  arm,  and  are  more  simj^le 
in  construction  and  less  liable  to  derangement. 

In  cavalry  service,  the  proper  management  of  the  horse  in 
action  may  render  the  repeating  arm  desirable,  as  relieving  the 
soldier  from  the  embarrassment  of  loading  in  critical  periods. 
The  limited  force  of  cavalry  in  the  State  service  renders  a  deci- 
sion on  this  point  nnimportant,  and  the  Board  recommends  a 
delay  in  the  selection  and  purchase  of  repeating  arms,  as  several 
new  inventions  are  now  being  perfected  and  will  soon  be  pre- 
sented for  trial  and  competition. 

CARTRIDGES. 

The  metallic  case  cartridge  being  the  most  important  element 
in  modern  breech-loading  arms,  as  providing  an  efhcient  gas 
check  and  abbreviating  the  time  and  simplifying  the  process  of 
loading,  the  Board  has  carefully  examined  the  varions  kinds 
used  in  the  respective  arms  and  have  formed  certain  conclu- 
sions, as  follows : 

1st.  That  the  cartridge  case  shonld  be  considerably  conical, 
as  beino;  more  readily  inserted  and  retracted  from  the  chamber, 
which  shonld  be  made  conical  to  correspond  with  the  case. 

2d.  That  the  fulminate  should  be  confined  to  the  centre  of 
the  head  of  the  case,  and  not  in  the  rim ;  this  sj^stem  known 
as  tlie  "  central  fire  "  is  preferable,  as  producing  a  more  regular 
ignition  of  the  powder;  not  being  liable  to  excess  of  fulminate 
and  consequent  danger  in  explosion;  greater  thickness  of  metal 
is  allowable  in  the  rim,  where  the  greatest  strength  is  required; 
being  less  hazardous  in  transportation  ;  admitting  of  greater 
strength  and  simplicity  in  the  firing  pin,  and  allowing  the  cases 
to  be  readily  reloaded  if  desirable. 

3d.  That  brass  is  the  preferable  material  for  the  cases  of 
central-fire  cartridges,  as  it  can  be  used  without  an  anvil  for 
impact  of  fulminate,  the  metal  being  stifier  ;  from  its  elasticity 
the  case  resumes  its  shape  and  size  after  explosion,  and  is  more 
readily  retracted,  and  can  be  reloaded  ;  and  it  is  a  cheaper  ma- 


62 

terial,  and  is  not  liable  to  be  cut  through  by  retractor  when,  on 
account  of  any  friction  or  derangement,  the  oase  resists  its  action. 

4th.  That  rifle  powder  is  preferable  to  musket  powder  in 
metallic  cartridges,  and  that  sixty  grains  is  a  sufiiicient  charge 
with  four  hundred  and  eighty  grains  of  lead.  It  was  noted 
that  when  seventy  grains  of  jnusket  ]30wder  were  used,  a  por- 
tion was  expelled  from  the  barrel  unconsumed,  and  after  many 
discharges,  the  arm  was  disproportionately  fouled. 

5th.  That  the  balls  should  be  well  lubricated  in  the  grooves, 
and  also  that  provision  should  be  made  for  a  lubrication  and 
cleansing  innnediately  after  the  passage  of  the  ball.  The  lubri- 
cant should  be  so  constituted  as  to  resist,  without  melting,  a 
heat  of  140°  Fahr. 

Several  minor  points  were  elucidated  by  the  trials  of  the 
Board,  and  reference  is  made  to  the  record  of  the  Hubbell  and 
Lamson  ffuns  under  trial  of  the  first  test,  as  exhibitinsr  the 
effects  of  insufficient  lubrication.  It  will  also  be  noted  that 
none  of  the  arms  were  affected  by  the  split  cartridge  in  the 
fifth  test. 

In  order  to  determine  whether  central-fire  cartridges  in  the 
magazine  of  a  repeating  arm  could  be  accidentally  exploded  by 
percussion,  as  in  the  movement  of  "  order  arms  "  in  infantry, 
or  the  dropping  of  a  carbine  by  a  mounted  cavalry  soldier,  such 
percussion  driving  the  apex  of  the  bullet  of  one  cartridge  into 
the  centre  of  the  head  of  the  next,  the  following  experiment 
was  made : 

'  Into  the  barrel  of  a  musketoon,  calibre  .69,  and  the  entire 
arm  weighing  9j  pounds,  there  were  dropped,  with  the  heads 
down,  six  cartridges  (II,  Table  of  cartridges,  page  56).  The 
musketoon  was  then  dropped  a  distance  of  four  feet,  the  butt 
striking  forcibly  the  floor,  and,  subsequently,  several  bricks 
placed  beneath,  to  obtain  a  more  inelastic  impact.  The  experi- 
ment having  been  repeated  several  times  without  producin^^ 
explosion,  it  was  found  upon  examination  that  the  apex  of  the 
bullets  had  been  flattened  so  as  to  present  a  plane  of  over  3-16 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  consequently  with  reduced  liability 
to  produce  explosion.  It  is,  therefore,  a  reasonable  deduction 
that  central-fire  cartridges,  with  bullets  of  unalloyed  lead,  are 


G3 

not  liiible  to  explosion  by  violent  percussion  in  the  magazines 
of  repeatino;  arms. 

In  concluding  the  subject  of  cartridges,  the  Board  desires  to 
eonnnend  the  system  of  II.  Berdan,  whose  brass-case  central- 
iire  cartridges  possess  peculiar  merits,  combining  in  a  high 
degree  many  of  the  requisite  points  hitherto  mentioned.  The 
powder  nsed  in  these  cartridges  deserves  special  mention,  as 
being  very  superior.  It  is  the  Orange  Kifle  Powder  [F],  man- 
ufactured by  Messrs.  Smith  &  Rand.  Several  improvements 
have  been  made  in  tlie  Berdan  cartridges  since  those  described 
in  the  table  were  used. 

In  this  connection  the  Board  desires  to  specially  commend 
the  new  cartridge  box,  adapted  to  metallic  cartridges,  invented 
by  Brevet  Major-General  "William  II.  Morris,  late  U.S. Vols.,  and 
exhibited  by  that  gentleman  to  the  Board.  This  cartridge  box 
is  intended  not  only  as  a  model  for  the  manufacture  of  new 
ones,  but  is  adapted  to  the  conversion  of  those  made  in  the 
present  pattern,  and  at  a  moderate  expense.  As  the  adoption 
of  breech-loaders  will  require  a  modification  of  cartridge  boxes, 
it  is  recommended  that  the  two  operations  should  be  simulta- 
neous. 

In  presenting  this  report  before  the  final  trials  and  decision 

as  to   the   best   model  for   conversion  of  muzzle-loaders,  the 

Board  is  constrained  by  the  approaching  adjournment  of  the 

Legislature,  before  whom  it  may  be  deemed  necessary  to  bring 

the  whole  subject,  in  order  to  secure  the  necessary  ai:>propria- 

tions. 

GEO.  W.  PALMER, 

Com.- Gen.  of  Orel.  S.  N.  Y. 

W.   G.  WARD, 
Brig. -Gen.  N.  G.  S.  iV.  Y. 

GEO.  M.   BAKER, 
Col.  ComcVg  Uth  Regt.  N.  G.  S.  N.  Y. 

SILAS  W.   BURT, 
Col.  and  Asst.  Inspector- Gen.  S.  N.  Y. 


64 


GENERAL  HEAD-QUARTERS,  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK, 
Adjutant-General's  Office, 
Albany,  May  18th,  1867. 


1 


special  orders) 

No.  126.  j 

The  Board  of  Officers  directed  by  Special  Orders  No.  2,  current 
series,  to  make  an  examination  of  breech-loading  small  arms,  hav- 
ing recommended  a  further  test  of  the  Allin,  the  Berdan,  and  the 
Roberts  methods  of  conversion  of  muzzle-loaders,  the  Board  is  hereby 
directed  to  make  such  further  examination  and  trial  of  the  above 
named  arms  as  may  be  deemed  proper,  to  determine  the  best  method 
of  conversion. 

The  Board  is  also  authorized  to  admit  to  such  trial  such  other 
arms  as  upon  exhibition  to  it  may  appear  to  possess  sufficient  merit 
to  entitle  them  to  competition,  upon  the  same  terms,  and  subject  to 
the  same  conditions  as  the  arms  above  named ;  and  will  make 
report  of  its  proceedings  and  decisions  to  these  Head-Quarters. 
By  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief, 

S.   E.   MARVIN, 
Adjutant- General. 


SUPrLEMENTAHY   R;^I%, 


OP   THE 


BOARD   FOR  EXAMINATION 


OF 


|rrtt]^-t0airiitg  ©ilit^rg  ^mall  ^rms* 


STATE    OF   IN'E^V   YORK. 


I 


ALBANY: 

WEED,  PARSONS  AND  COMPANY,  PRINTERS. 

1868. 


REPORT, 


NEW  YORK  STATE  AESENAL,  ) 

Kew  York  City,  January  30,  1808.) 

To  Brigadier-General  S.  E.  Marvin, 

Adjutant- General,  Albany,  W.  Y. : 

The  Board  of  Officers,  convened  by  Special  Orders 
No.  2,  and  reassembled  by  Special  Orders  No.  126, 
both  of  series  of  1867,  makes  tlie  following 

REPORT, 

in  accordance  with  orders,  as  follows : 

General  Head-Quarters,  State  of  New  York, 
Adjutant-General's  Office, 

Albany,  May  18,  1867. 

Special  Orders,  J 

No.  126.       S 

The  Board  of  Officers  directed  by  Special  Orders  No.  2, 
current  series,  to  make  an  examination  of  breecli-loading 
small  arms,  having  recommended  a  further  test  of  the  AlHn, 
the  Berdan  and  the  Roberts  methods  of  conversion  of  muzzle- 
loaders,  the  Board  is  directed  to  make  such  further  examina- 
tion and  trial  of  the  above  named  arms  as  may  be  deemed 
proper  to  determine  the  best  method  of  conversion. 


The  Board  is  also  authorized  to  admit  to  such  trial  such 
other  arms,  as  upon  exhibition  to  it,  may  appear  to  possess 
suthcient  merit  to  entitle  them  to  competition,  upon  the  same 
terms  and  subject  to  the  same  conditions  as  the  arms  above 
named,  and  will  make  report  of  its  proceedings  and  decision 
to  these  Head-Quarters. 

Bj  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief, 

(Signed)         S.  E.  Mauyin,  Adjutant- General. 

The  Board  having  previously  experienced  great 
difficulty  in  a  proper  relative  estimation  of  the  action 
of  the  several  arms  on  account  of  differences  of  ammu- 
nition used  in  each,  and  being  further  desirous  of 
establishing  common  conditions,  applicable  to  all  com- 
petitors and  binding  upon  them,  published  the  follow- 
ing programme  : 

Conversion  of  Muzzle-Loading  Small  Arms  into  Breech- 

Loaders. 

!N^Ew  York,  June  6th,  1867. 

In  accordance  with  tlie  following  orders  — 

[  Special  Orders  No.  126,  as  above], 
the  Board  of  Examination  hereby  gives  notice  that  it  will  pro- 
ceed to  make  competitive  trials  of  methods  of  conversion,  at 
the  State  Arsenal,  Tth  Avenue,  corner  of  35th  street,  on  July 
9tli  next,  at  ten  o'clock  A.  M. 

All  arms  presented,  other  than  of  the  three  methods  speci- 
ally mentioned  in  the  above  orders  (whether  the  same  are 
improvements  of  arms  hitherto  tested  by  the  Board,  or  arms 
not  so  tested),  will  be  examined  by  the  Board,  and  if,  in  its 
opinion,  possessing  sufficient  merit  to  entitle  them  to  compe- 
tition, will  be  accepted  for  trial  upon  the  same  conditions  as 
the  above-named  arms. 

The  following  conditions  of  entry  have  been  adopted,  and 
all  arms  accepted  will  be  subject  thereto  : 


5 


I.  Tlic  arm  must  be  a  Spriii2;field  Eiflcd  Musket,  converted 
into  a  breech-loader,  the  barrel  to  be  of  the  calibre  .58. 
Additional  guns  of  the  same  class,  with  calibre  reduced  to 
.50,  may  be  exhibited,  and  will  be  tested  at  the  discretion  of 
the  Board.  Alleged  improvements  in  rilling  (number,  depth 
and  width  of  grooves,  character  of  twist,  &c.),  will  be  con- 
sidered. 

II.  Each  gun  must  be  accompanied  with  a  full  and  detailed 
description  of  the  arm  and  its  merits,  giving  dimensions  of 
the  principal  parts,  as  (A)  length  of  barrel,  or  distance  from 
muzzle  to  face  of  breech-block,  when  breech  is  closed ;  (B) 
length  and  diameter  of  chamber,  and,  if  the  chamber  is  coni- 
cal, the  maximnm  and  minimum  diameters  ;  (C)  dimensions 
of  receiver,  breech-block  and  appendages,  retractor,  and  all 
other  parts  connected  with  the  breech  mechanism.  The  ma- 
terial of  •which  the  several  parts  are  made  must  be  specified ; 
also,  whether  the  specimen  arm  was  made  by  hand  or  ma- 
chinery. The  description  mnst  be  full  and  accurate,  and 
must  specially  set  forth  the  merits,  absolute  and  relative, 
claimed  for  the  arm.  The  cost  of  converting  Springfield 
Rifled  Muskets  on  the  proposed  plan  must  be  given,  the  quan- 
tities being  10,000,  20,000,  30,000,  40,000  and  50,000,  and  the 
exhibitor  must  be  prepared,  upon  demand,  to  furnish  an 
undertaking,  with  approved  sureties,  that  contracts  will  be 
made  at  the  rates  specified  should  the  method  of  conversion 
be  approved  and  the  State  authorities  prepared  to  entertain 
proposals.  Such  prices  will  be  considered  as  sealed  proposals, 
and  will  not  be  disclosed  until  after  a  decision  is  made  by  the 
Board. 

III.  In  order  that  the  several  arms  may  be  subjected  to  the 
same  conditions  of  trial,  each  exhibitor  must  be  supplied  with 
fifteen  hundred  (1,500)  rounds  of  ammunition  for  each  arm, 
as  follows :  The  cartridge  cases  to  be  of  brass  and  "  central 
fire."  The  projectiles  to  be  of  unalloyed  lead,  and  to  weigh 
four  hundred  and  eighty  grains  for  guns  of  calibre  .58,  and 
four  hundi'ed  and  fifty  grains  for  calibre  .50.     In  order  to 


6 

conform  to  the  United  States  standard  charge,  as  now  adopted, 
the  charge  of  powder  will  be  seventy  grains.  The  powder  to 
be  the  "Orange  Eifle  Powder,  F.  G.,"  manufactured  by 
Smith  &  Kand  (office  170  Broadway,  New  York  City).  Par- 
ticular attention  is  directed  to  the  proper  lubrication  of  the 
cartridges.  In  special  tests,  the  Board  reserves  the  right  to 
use  such  other  quality  of  powder  as  it  may  deem  proper,  but 
not  exceeding  the  established  charge  of  seventy  grains ;  and 
also  the  right  to  use  such  form  of  jjrojectiles  as  may  be  deemed 
proper. 

IV.  The  several  guns  accepted  for  competition  will  be  sub- 
jected to  exactly  the  same  tests,  and  no  other,  except  upon 
unanimous  consent  of  the  competitors  and  aj^proval  of  the 
Board.  The  arms,  after  entry  and  acceptance,  will  remain  in 
the  exclusive  charge  and  control  of  the  Board,  and,  except 
with  its  consent,  shall  not  be  withdrawn. 

Y.  The  guns  Avill  be  subjected  to  the  following  tests  : 

1st.  For  endurance — to  be  tested  with  one  thousand  (1,000) 
rounds,  in  series  of  one  hundred  rounds  each,  discharged 
rapidly,  the  arm  to  be  cooled,  cleaned  and  inspected  in  the 
intervals,  and  the  ivear  and  tear,  absolute  and  relative,  care- 
fully noted. 

2d.  To  be  fired  fifty  rounds  with  ammunition  prej)ared  by 
the  Board. 

3d.  To  be  fired  with  defective  cartridges  such  number  of 
times  as  the  Board  may  deem  necessary. 

4th.  The  Board  reserves  the  right  to  subject  all  the  arms  to 
such  other  practical  trials  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  to  fully 
test  their  merits. 

YI.  Each  exhibitor  will  be  required  to  execute  an  agree- 
ment to  submit  his  arms  to  the  tests  and  conditions  herein  set 
forth. 

Entries  of  arms  may  be  made  at  any  time,  prior  to  July  8th, 


with  Col.   Silas  W.   Burt,  Assistant   Inspector-General,  4G 
University  Place,  New-York  City. 

GEORGE  W.   PALMER, 

Brig.  GenU  cb  Comm''y  GenHof  Ordnance. 

WILLIAM   G.   AVARD, 

Brig.  GerCl  CoimmVg  Ist  Brigade^  JV.    G. 

GEORGE   M.   BAKER, 

Col.  Commanding  1-ith  Begiment,  JV.  G. 

SILAS  W.   BURT, 

Colonel  <&  Assistant  Insjiector- GeneraL 


The  Board  convened  on  the  9tli  day  of  July,  and 
continued  its  sessions  on  the  10th,  11th,  12th,  15th, 
16th,  ITtli,  18th,  19th,  23d,  24th,  29th,  30th  and 
31st  days  of  that  month;  the  17tli,  18th,  19th,  20th, 
21st,  23d  and  2-4th  of  September;  the  2d,  3d,  4tli  and 
5th  of  October ;  the  20th  of  November,  and  the  lOtli 
and  11th  of  December. 

The  guns  presented  for  competition  embraced  the 
best  systems  invented,  and  the  Board  is  convinced  that 
all  practicable  methods  of  breech-block  movement 
have  been  already  applied,  and  that  future  efforts  in 
this  direction  must  be  confined  to  details  or  combina- 
tions. Including  both  sessions  of  the  Board,  thirty-six 
distinct  systems  have  been  tested  and  seven  others 
examined,  and  as  these  have  comprehended  every 
general  principle  applied  in  this  country  or  abroad, 
the  Board  feels  confidence  in  expressing  the  opinion, 
that  no  radical  improvement  over  present  systems  is 
probable,  and  that  fiitm-e  advance  must  be  made  in 
the  direction  of  improved  ammunition,  or  by  a  com- 
plete abandonment  of  present  armaments  and  a  sub- 


8 

stitntion  of  entirely  novel  weapons  of  warfare.  Our 
own  great  recent  war,  and  the  hostile  complications  in 
Europe,  have  stimulated  and  directed  into  this  channel 
the  inventive  skill  of  both  continents,  and  thus  pro- 
duced a  rapid  development. 

The  arms  tested  at  this,  session  were,  the  Allin,  the 
Berdan  No.  2,  the  Roberts,  the  Allin,  cal.  .50,  the  Ber- 
dan  No.  1,  the  Lamson,  cal.  .58  and  .50,  the  Miller,  the 
Needham,  the  Conroy,  the  Remington  and  tlie  Burton. 
Several  other  guns  were  exhibited,  as  noted  beyond. 

The  tests  were  applied  as  in  the  programme,  except 
that  in  the  second  test,  the  fifty  rounds  of  prepared 
ammunition  were  reduced  to  four  rounds  of  seventy 
grains  each  of  •  Orange  Lightning  Powder  and  four 
hundred  and  eighty  grains  of  lead.  The  tests  with  this 
strong  powder  being  applied  immediately  after  the  first 
test  of  one  thousand  rounds,  it  was  concluded  that  four 
charges,  fired  successively  and  rapidly,  would  demon- 
strate any  weakness  as  certainly  as  the  greater  number. 

In  the  first  test  the  guns  were  cooled  as  rapidly  as 
practicable  after  each  round  of  one  hundred  discharges, 
the  barrels  cleaned,  and  the  firing  recommenced  with- 
out delay. 

The  prescription  of  the  ammunition  by  the  Board 
somewhat  embarrassed  exhibitors,  as  it  could  be  pro- 
cured at  only  one  factory,  and  there  the  sudden 
demand  soon  exhausted  the  supply  of  seasoned  cart- 
ridges, and  exhibitors  were  forced  to  take  those  in 
which  the  fulminate  was,  in  some  cases,  damp,  and 
frequent  misfires  were  the  result.  The  cartridges  were 
the  Berdan,  as  described  in  the  previous  report. 

The  guns  are  clpssified  in  accordance  with  the 
method  adopted  in  the  report  of  April  6tli,  last. 


Guns  Spscically  Designated  for  Trial  in  the  First  Clause  of 

the  Orders. 


THE  ALLIN  BREECH-LOADER, 

Entered  by  the  AUin  Patent  Fire-Arms  Manufacturing  Company 

New  York  City, 


Description. 

The  rear  upper  part  of  the  barrel  is  first  cut  away, 
forming'  an  opening  for  the  breech-block  to  be  inserted, 
three  and  one-fourth  inches  in  length.  The  Breech- 
block consists  of  a  solid  piece  of  iron  (case-hardened) 
which  fills  up  the  portion  of  the  barrel  cut  away,  as 
well  as  the  bore  of  the  same,  and  is  hinged  at  its  front 
end  to  a  piece  called  the  hinge-strap,  firmly  attached 
to  the  barrel  over  the  rear  end  of  the  bore  wdiere  the 
cartridof-e  is  inserted.  Wlien  the  cartridore  is  to  be 
inserted  the  breech-block  is  swung  upwards  and  for- 
ward, exposing  the  end  of  the  bore,  wliicli  is  formed 
into  a  chamber  sufiiciently  large  to  allow  tlie  shell  of  a 
metallic    cartridge  of  the  proper  calibre  to  be  inserted. 

The  device  for  locking  the  breech-block  at  its  rear  end 
2 


10 


consists  of  a  solid  steel  cam  and  shaft,  the  latter  of 
which  projects  out  at  the  side,  through  a  cut  formed  in 
the  barrel  in  the  place  of  the  cone-seat.  To  the  pro- 
jecting end  of  the  shaft  is  attached  a  lever  or  thumb- 
piece,  which  operates  the  cam,  so  that  by  placing  the 
thumb  on  the  lever  and  turning  it  back,  the  end  of  the 
cam  enters  a  notch  formed  in  the  breech-pin  made  to 
receive  it ;  and  by  turning  up  and  forward  this  lever, 
the  cam  is  withdrawn  from  the  notch  and  the  breech- 
block is  free  to  be  raised.  The  cartridge  is  exploded  by 
a  blow  from  tlie  hammer,  arranged  as  ordinaril}^,  the 
force  of  the  blow  being  received,  however,  through  the 
medium  of  a  firing-pin,  arranged  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  breech-block,  resting  upon  the  rear  end  of  the  car- 
tridge, and  the  rear  end  projecting  out  from  the  rear 
end  of  the  breech-block,  to  receive  the  blow  from  the 
hammer. 

In  order  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  the  hammer 
falling  upon  the  firing-pin  when  the  breech-block  is 
not  down  and  locked,  a  projection  is  arranged  upon 
the  end  of  the  lever  or  thumb-piece,  operating  the 
cam-lock,  in  such  a  manner  that  when  the  lever  is 
entirely  up  the  hammer  shall  strike  this  projection  and 
be  prevented  from  reaching  the  firing-pin ;  and  when 
the  lever  is  partially  down  the  nose  of  the  hammer 
shall  strike  on  this  projection,  forcing  the  lever  down 
entirely  and  locking  the  breech-block.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  preventing  the  hammer  from  striking  the 
firing-pin  before  the  breech-block  is  down  entirely,  a  pro- 
jection is  arranged  on  the  rear  end  of  the  breech-block, 
just  beneath  the  end  of  the  firing-pin,  and  upon  this 
projection  the  hammer  would  strike  in  such  an  instance. 


11 

A  latch-spring  is  so  arranged  under  the  cam-lock,  that 
by  closing  down  the  breech-block  in  place  it  locks 
itself.  The  front  end  of  the  breech-block,  forming 
when  shut  the  rear  end  of  the  cartridge  chamber,  is 
slightly  beveled  so  as  to  project  forward  at  its  lower 
part,  and  the  end  of  the  barrel  at  this  part  is  formed 
to  correspond  to  it ;  thus  the  breech-block  is  held 
firmly  in  place  when  shut,  even  though  the  hinge 
should  be  broken,  as  no  strain  is  produced  upon  the 
hinofe  in  firing". 

An  extractor  for  the  cartridge  case  is  formed  by 
extending  a  small  projection  on  the  breech-block  in 
front  of  the  hinge,  so  that  when  the  breech-block  is 
raised  and  thrown '  forward,  this  projection  passing 
through  a  groove  formed  for  it,  catches  in  front  of  the 
rim  of  the  shell,  at  the  top  or  upper  side,  and  starts  it 
back,  leaving  the  ejector  (if  such  be  used)  to  throw  it 
out.  When  the  breech-block  is  down  the  projection  is 
thrown  up  above  the  line  of  the  bore,  and  does  not 
interfere  with  the  cartridge  case.  The  method  of  eject- 
ing the  case  entirely  from  the  barrel  is  as  follows,  viz  : 
A  lever  is  inserted  across  the  breech-block  in  rear  of 
the  hinge  in  a  groove  (secured  by  a  screw),  in  such  a 
manner  that  when  the  breech-block  is  turned  upward 
and  forward  so  far  that  the  ejector  will  start  the  shell, 
a  sudden  blow  will  be  given  to  the  ejector,  having  a 
projection  on  the  upper  side,  by  the  breech-block  upon 
the  end  of  the  lever,  which  gives  the  ejector,  conse- 
quently, an  accelerated  motion  sufficient  to  expel  the 
shell  from  the  barrel. 


12 

Tests. 

JFirst  Test. — 1st  Round — 100  fires  and  22  misfires. 
This  large  proportion  of  misfires  was  attributable  to  the  use  of 
an  experimental  cartridge,  which  was  disapproved  by  the  Board. 
2d   Round —  100  fires  and  no  misfires. 
3d         "  100         "  " 

4th       "  100         "  " 

5th       "  100         "  " 

6th       "  100  fires  and  2  misfires. 

Vth       "  100  fires  and  no  misfires. 

8th       "  100         "  " 

One  cartridge  case  split  at  base  and  sides,  and  one  split  in  the 
side ;  the  gas,  thus  escaping,  fouled  the  receiver  and  block,  but 
not  otherwise  affecting  the  piece. 

9th  Round —  100  fires  and  no  misfires. 
One  cartridge  case  split  at  base  and  sides. 

10th  Round  — 100  fires  and  1  misfire. 
The  gun  operated  well  during  this  test,  and  no  wear  of  the 
working  parts,  except  a  slight  battering  of  the  ejector,  nor  any 
derangement  of  any  part,  was  jjercej^tible  at  the  close. 

Second  Test. — Four  cartridges  of  TO  strains  "  Liofhtnina;"  Pow- 
der,  fired  without  affecting  the  arm. 

Third  Test. — Four  cartridges,  the  heads  being  well  filed  all 
around,  were  fired  without  starting  the  breech-block  or  otherwise 
deranging  the  mechanism.  A  cartridge  filed  two-thirds  around 
was  fired  with  similar  result. 


THE  BERDAN  BREECH-LOADING  RIFLE,  No.  2. 

Entered  by  the  Berdan  Arms  Manufacturing  Co.,  New  York  City. 


Description. 

The  exhibitor  not  having   furnished  any   detailed 
dimensions,  &c.,  as  required  by  paragraph  two  of  the 


13 

jorogrammo,  reference  is  made  to  the  description  of 
this  gun  given  in  the  report  made  April  Gtli  hist  (page 
13),   as  no   material  change  has  been  made   in   the 

meantime. 

Tksts. 


First  2"est.—\&t  \l 

ound 

—  100  fires  and  no  misfires. 

2d 

u 

100 

(( 

a 

3d 

li 

100 

C( 

1 

11 

4th 

a 

100 

a 

no 

a 

5th 

(< 

100 

(( 

1 

(( 

6th 

« 

100 

a 

3 

(C 

7th 

(( 

100 

(( 

2 

(( 

8th 

(( 

100 

It, 

2 

u 

9th 

a 

100 

u 

2 

u 

10th 

a 

100 

u 

5 

u 

The  gun  worked  well. 

The  intcrva 

s  between  the  rounds  were 

short,  the  gnu  being 

cooled  by 

2)assing  a  str( 

3am  of  cold  water 

through  the  barrel. 

No 

aj^prec 

iable 

wear  of 

working  parts  or 

deransjement  of  mechanism. 

Second  Test. — Four  "  Lightning  "  cartridges  were  fired,  with 
results  entii-ely  satisfactory. 

Third  Test. — Four  cartridges  fired,  the  heads  of  which  were 
filed  all  around,  and  one  cartridge  with  head  filed  two-thirds 
around,  without  affecting  the  working  of  the  gun  or  deranging 
it  in  any  way. 


THE  ROBERTS  BREECH-LOADIXG  RIFLE, 

Entered  by  the  Roberts  Breech-Loading  Arms  Co.,  New  York  City. 


Description. 

Calibre,  .58  inch ;  distance  from  muzzle  to  face  of 
breech-block,  when  closed,  37  inches  ;  length  of  cham- 


14 

ber,  1.25  inch.  The  chamber  has  a  uniform  taper 
for  its  entire  length ;  maximum  diameter,  .64  inch ; 
minimum  diameter,  .58  inch.  Receiver,  2  inches  in 
leng-th ;  breech-block,  .75  inch  wide.  Breech-block 
and  all  its  appendages  assembled  from  one  piece  5 
inches  in  length. 

The  musket  presented  is  of  the  United  States 
"  Springfield "  pattern,  made  by  machinery.  The 
breecli-loading  parts,  five  in  number,  were  made  by 
hand,  and  constitute  "  the  Roberts  breecli-loading 
attachment."  The  first  piece  is  an  iron  breech-frame 
or  receiver,  into  which  the  barrel,  having  been  cut  off 
at  proper  point,  is  firmly  screwed.  This  receiver  is 
imbedded  in  the  stock  in  the  place  of  the  old  breech- 
pin.  The  barrel  is  cut  oft'  about  one  inch  in  front  of 
the  cone,  and  a  male  screw  cut,  reaching  nearly  to  the 
rear  sight  on  the  barrel.  Tlie  breech-block  is  inserted 
through  this  receiver,  and  supported  against  the  rear 
end  on  a  semi-circular  shoulder,  forming  the  back  of 
receiver,  the  centre  around  wliicli  this  semi-circle  is 
described  being  in  the  prolongation  of  the  axis  of  the 
barrel.  The  rear  of  the  breech-block  is  turned  to  fit 
with  exactness  this  semi-circle,  and  is  played  around  it 
as  a  fulcrum.  The  cheeks  of  the  receiver  support  the 
breech-block  laterally.  When  the  breech-block  is  in 
place  in  the  receiver,  it  forms  a  curved  lever,  the 
handle  projecting  backward,  and  it  then  is  moved 
about  the  solid  abutment  of  the  receiver,  instead  of 
being  pivoted  by  any  system  of  points  or  pins,  thus 
affording  great  solidity  and  strength. 

The  forward  end  of  the  breech-block  has  a  semi- 
circular groove  cut  transversely  through  it,  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  a  corresponding  tenon  formed  on 


15 

.1  block  of  steel,  termed  the  recoil-plate.  The  front 
face  of  this  block  is  flat,  so  that  when  in  position  it 
fits  squarely  against  the  vertical  face  of  the  chamber 
and  the  rear  end  of  the  cartridge  case.  A  small  space 
is  left  between  the  tenon  on  the  rear  of  this  block  and 
the  front  surface  of  the  breech-block  above  the  trans- 
verse groove,  to  admit  of  a  slight  rocking  motion  of 
recoil-plate,  so  that  it  will  descend  to  expose  the  breech 
of  the  barrel  and  admit  the  cartridore  into  the  chamber. 
This  small  open  space  permits  the  recoil-plate  to 
descend  perpendicularh',  when  the  rear  of  the  lever  is 
raised  until  the  top  of  the  plate  passes  below  the  axis 
of  the  barrel,  after  which  it  swings  with  the  arc  of  the 
circle  on  the  rear  end  of  the  receiver.  AVhen  the  rear 
of  the  lever  is  raised,  the  recoil-plate  ascends  to  its 
position  by  the  exact  reverse  motion,  up  to  the  axis  of 
the  barrel  on  a  circular  motion  and  afterward  to  close 
the  chamber,  ascending  vertically  and  closing  squarely 
against  the  head  of  the  cartridge  case  and  the  vertical 
face  of  the  chamber. 

The  firing-pin  is  located  on  the  right  side  of  the 
breech-block,  and  runs  through  both  this  block  and 
the  recoil-plate,  directed  to  the  center  for  center-fire 
cartridges,  and  grooved  into  the  sides  for  rim-fire  car- 
tridges. It  is  so  set  on  a  shoulder  that  the  force  of  the 
blow  of  the  hammer  cannot  drive  it  a  greater  distance 
than  is  necessary  to  insure  fire. 

The  retractor  is  a  curved  lever,  fixed  on  the  left  side 
of  the  chamber,  with  one  arm  behind  the  flange  of  the 
cartridge-case,  and  the  other  operating  in  a  vertical 
groove  on  the  left  side  of  the  recoil-})late.  When  the 
breech-lever  is  raised  and  the  recoil-plate  descends, 


16 


the  arm  in  the  groove  is  not  touched  imtil  the  top  of 
this  plate  reaches  the  bottom  of  the  chamber ;  the 
shoulder  at  the  upper  end  of  the  groove  then  strikes 
the  lever  and  ejects  the  cartridge  case. 


Tests. 

First  Test- 

—1st 

Round  - 

—  100  fires  and  5  misfires, 

2d 

(( 

100 

(( 

4 

3d 

li. 

100 

a 

4 

^th 

(( 

100 

a 

B 

5th 

(C 

100 

u 

3 

During  the  last  round  it  was  noticed  that  the  firing-pin  was 
broken,  occasioned  by  a  flaw  in  the  metal,  and  had  been  appa- 
rently broken  during  the  most  of  this  round.  As  the  gun  con- 
tinued to  operate  well,  the  exhibitors  concluded  to  continue  firing 
without  repairing  the  jiin,  and  permission  so  to  do  was  granted 
by  the  Board. 

6th  Round  — 100  fires  and  10  misfires. 


7th 

u 

100 

a 

6 

8th 

a 

100 

a 

1 

9th 

a 

100 

a 

1 

10th 

u 

100 

(( 

1 

The  gun  withstood  this  test  well,  no  w^ear  or  derangement  of 
the  mechanism  being  apparent,  except  the  broken  firing-pin, 
which  was  attributable  to  defective  metal,  as  was  manifest  by  the 
appearance  of  the  fracture. 

Second  Test. — Four  cartridges  of  70  grains  "  Lightning  "  pow- 
der and  480  grains  of  lead,  were  successively  fired,  without 
afiecting  the  gun. 

Third  Test. — Fired  one  cartridge  with  head  filed  all  around ; 
mechanism  not  affected,  except  the  broken  firing-pin  driven  for- 
ward so  as  to  render  opening  of  breech  difficult.  By  permission, 
a  new  pin  was  substituted,  and  four  cartridges  with  heads  filed 
all  around,  and  one  cartridge  Avith  head  filed  two-thirds  around, 
w^ere  fired,  without  in  any  way  affecting  the  breech-block  or 
deranging  the  mechanism  of  the  gun. 


17 


■    Guns  entered  under  provisions  of  second  clause  of  Special 
I  Orders. 

I  "  The  Board  is  iilso  authorized  to  admit  to  such  trial 
such  other  arms,  as  upon  exhil)ition  to  it,  may  appear 
to  possess  sufficient  merit  to  entitle  them  to  competi- 
tion, upon  the  same  terms  and  subject  to  the  same 
conditions  as  the  above  named." 

iln  accordance  witli  the  above  provision,  and  also 
■with  the  following-  clause  in  parngra[)h  I,  of  the  pub- 
lished programme  of  trials :  "  iVdditional  guns  of  the 
same  class,  with  calibre  reduced  to  .50,  may  be 
exhibited,  and  will  be  tested  at  the  discretion  of  tlie 
P  Board,"  the  following-  guns  were  admitted  to  competi- 
tion and  tested  by  the  Board : 

t  THE  ALLIX  BREECH-LOADER,  CALIBRE  .50. 

Entered  by  the  AUin  Patent  Arms-Manufacturing  Co.,  New  York  City . 


Description. 

The  breech-mechanism  and  appendages  of  this  arm 
are  the  same  as  those  of  the  .58  calibre  gun,  on  the 
same  system  previously  described.  The  barrel  origi- 
nally of  .58  calibre  is  reduced  to  .50,  by  the  following 
process : 

The  barrel  is  first  bored  out  to  remove  the  lands,  if 

it  be  a  rifled  barrel,  leaving  it  of  the  desired  decrease 

inside  from  breach  to  muzzle.     Into  this  is  forced  a 

tube  of  iron  or  steel,  which  is  also  made  with  a  taper 
3 


18 

to  suit  the  seat  formed  for  it  in  the  barrel.  This  rein- 
force, so  placed  by  being  forcibly  driven  in,  is  firmly 
fastened  there  as  follows  :  A  slot  is  cut  throujrh  the 
outside  tube  to  the  surface  of  the  inner  one ;  both  are 
then  heated  and  bi-ass  Avire  inserted  in  the  slot,  borax 
being-  used  as  a  flux.  The  wire  melting,  the  fluid  brass 
runs  in  between  the  two  tubes,  filling  up  the  imper- 
ceptible space  between  them  in  the  vicinity  of  the  slot, 
for  the  distance  of  two  or  three  inches.  (These  braz- 
ings may  be  repeated  throughout  the  length  of  the  bar- 
rel, but  are  not  necessary.)  The  brazing  at  the  muzzle 
is  effected  by  placing  a  ring  of  brass  wire,  well  fluxed, 
around  the  extended  end  of  the  inner  tube,  the  barrel 
being  placed  in  a  vertical  position,  the  wire  is  then 
heated  to  the  melting  point,  when  it  penetrates  between 
the  two  tubes.  Each  end  of  the  barrel  being  thus 
firmly  brazed,  forms  a  solid  barrel ;  it  is  then  bored 
and  rifled  in  the  usual  manner. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  principal  dimensions 
of  the  .50  calibre  Allin  gun :  Length  of  barrel  from 
muzzle  to  face  of  breech-block,  36  5-8  inches ;  length 
of  chamber,  1.76  ;  diameters  of  chamber,  maximum  .57 
inch,  minimum  .54  inch ;  iron  breech-block,  length 
3.25  inches  ;  iron  breech-block  caj),  length  .87  inch  ; 
width  of  receiver  .7  inch ;  length  of  iron  hinge-strap, 
2  inches ;  locking  device,  steel  cam-latch,  length  .62 
inch  ;  shaft,  length  1.5  inch  ;  iron  thumb-piece,  length 
1.37  inch  ;  steel  firing-pin,  3.12  inches  in  length. 

Tests. 

First  Test. — First  round — 100  fires  and  no  misfires.  Upon  the 
78th  discharge  the  back  sight  (soldered  to  the  barrel)  was 
detached  by  melting  of  the  solder. 


19 

2il  Kouud — 100  fires  and  1  misfire. 
3d         "  100        "         no        " 

4th       "  100        "  " 

5th        "  G8  "  " 

Upon  the  G8th  dlscliai'ge  tlie  breech  -was  blown  open  so  vio- 
lently as  to  bend  up  tlie  rear  portion  of  the  hinge-strap,  partially 
tearing  it  in  two,  and  deranging  the  parts  so  that  the  breech 
could  not  be  closed.  The  cartridge-case  was  driven  back  vio- 
lently against  the  rear  of  receiver  and  thrown  out,  but  not  burst, 
though  deformed.  The  person  firing  the  gun  was  not  in  any  way 
injured.  After  careful  examination,  it  was  discovered  that  the 
screw  which  retains  the  firing-piu  in  position  had  been  turned 
out,  so  as  to  allow  the  pin  to  jn-ojcct  backward  1-32  of  an  inch 
beyond  its  proper  position,  and  so  that  the  thumb  piece  of  the 
breech-lock  would,  in  revolving,  strike  the  pin.  In  the  hurry  of 
rapid  firing,  the  breech  was  not  entirely  closed  when  the  trigger 
was  pulled,  and  the  hammer  striking  the  thumb-piece,  drove  it 
against  the  firing-pin,  thus  exploding  the  cartridge  before  the 
bi'eech  was  closed. 

Liability  to  such  accident  has  since  been  obviated  by  a  change 
in  the  manner  of  securing  the  firing-pin,  not  readily  deranged, 
and  by  lengthening  the  lever  of  breech-lock,  so  that,  under  no 
circumstances,  can  it  strike  the  firing-pin. 

The  gun,  being  disabled  as  above,  was,  by  permission  of  the 
Board,  withdraAvn,  and  not  again  jiresented,  as  the  exhibitors 
substituted  the  .58  calibre  gun  described  on  a  j^revious  j^age. 


BERDAN'S  BREECH-LOADIXG  RIFLE,  No.  1. 

Entered  by  the  Berdan  Arms-Manufacturing  Co.,  New  York  City, 


Description. 
The  exhibitors  not  liaving  complied  with  paragi'aph 
II  of  the  programme,  no  detailed  description  ^vill  be 
given.     Col.  Berdan  calls  it  a  "jointed  breech-piece" 


20 

gun,  and  in  its  general  features  it  resembles  the  Allin 
gun,  being  provided  with  an  independent  locking 
device,  as  recommended  in  the  previous  report  of  the 
Board.  The  workmanship  of  the  gun  was  very  fine 
and  noticeable. 

Tests. 
First  Test. — 1st  Round  — 100  fires  and  no  misfires. 


2d 

100 

a 

4 

u 

3d 

100 

u 

no 

a 

4th 

100 

u 

no 

a 

5  th 

100 

(( 

2 

ii. 

6  th 

100 

a 

5 

a 

Vth 

100 

a 

2 

u 

8th 

100 

a 

8 

a 

9th 

100 

u 

5 

u 

10th 

100 

a 

8 

a 

The  gun  Avorked  well  during  this  test ;  the  mechanism  not 
being  in  any  way  deranged,  nor  any  appreciable  wear. 

Second  Test. — Four  of  the  "  Lightning  "  cartridges  fired  with- 
out affecting  the  gxm. 

Third  Test. — Four  cartridges  with  the  heads  filed  all  around 
and  one  filed  two-thirds  around  fired  without  deranging  the  gun. 
Afterwards  fired  two  similar  cartridges,  the  thumb  piece  of 
breech-lock  lever  bcinir  cut  oif.  to  demonstrate  that  hammer  does 
not  assist  in  the  efficient  locking  of  the  breach  —  results  satis- 
factory. 


THE  LAMSON  BREECII-LOADING  RIFLE  (CAL.  .50). 
Entered  by  the  Windsor  Manufacturing  Co.,  Windsor,  Vt. 


Description. 

This  gun  is  in  all  respects  similar  to  the  gun  of  same 
system  and  calibre  .58,  described  beyond,   except  in 


21 

Iiavino'  a  barrel  reinforced  or  reduced  in  calibre  to  .50, 
as  described  previously. 

Tests. 
First  Test. — 1st  round — 100  fires  and  21   misfires.      The    car- 
tridges were  very  imperfect,  and  the  fubninate  evidently  damp. 

2d  Round  —  100  fires  and  7  misfires. 


nd 

100 

11 

4th 

100 

12 

5  th 

100 

13 

6th 

100 

25 

Vth 

100 

26 

8tli 

100 

22 

9th 

100 

19 

10th 

100 

21 

Tlie  gun  worked  well,  without  perceptible  wear  or  derange- 
ment of  any  part. 

Second  Test. — Tried  four  "Lightning"  cartridges  with  results 
entirely  satisfactory. 

Third  Test. — Fired  one  cartridge  with  head  filed  all  around, 
blowing  ojjen  the  breech-block  one  and  a  half  inch,  but  the  gun 
not  in  any  way  disabled.  The  exhibitor  claimed  that  this  result 
was  occasioned  by  neglect  to  plug  the  old  cone-vent,  the  Board 
ordered  this  to  be  done,  and  Avhen  completed,  and  a  cartridge 
with  head  filed  all  around  being  fired,  the  breech-block  Avas 
blown  open  one  and  three-quarters  inch.  Two  similar  cartridges 
were  then  fired  and  breech  blown  open  two  inches  each  time. 
The  gun  was  apparently  not  otherwise  aftected  by  these  results. 
A  cartridge  with  head  filed  half  Avay  around  Avas  then  placed  in 
the  chamber  with  filed  portion  down  and  fired,  the  breech-block 
was  blown  open  .13  inch.  After  carefully  cleaning  the  gun,  three 
perfect  cartridges  Avere  fired  Avithout  opening  the  breech,  and  the 
gun  appeared  to  be  in  as  good  Avorking  order  as  Avhen  first  pre- 
sented. Then  fired  a  cartridge  with  head  filed  one-third  around, 
and  breech-block  was  bloAvu  open  ,17  inch.  Without  cleaning, 
two  perfect  cartridges  were  fired,  and  then  one  with  substitution 
of  "Lightning"  powder,  the  breech  remaining  closed  and  the 
cjun  otherAvise  workinsc  Avell. 


22 

By  permission  the  gun  was  withdrawn,  and  again  presented 
with  certain  modifications,  greater  space  around  the  sides  of  the 
breech-block  being  allowed  for  escape  of  gas,  and  the  hammer 
having  a  more  secure  hook  upon  the  projecting  lip  of  the  breech- 
block. Two  cartridges  with  heads  filed  all  around  were  fired 
without  opening  the  breech  or  otherwise  aflTecting  the  gun.  The 
Board  considered  this  test  sufficient  as  the  principles  involved 
were  to  be  more  fully  tested  in  the  .58  calibre  gun  of  same  system. 


THE  LAMSOX  BREECH-LOADIXG  RIFLE  (CAL.  .58). 
Entered  by  the  Windsor  Manufacturing  Co.,  Windsor,  Vt. 


Description. 

The  breech  receiver  is  formed  by  cutting  away  the 
upper  part  of  the  barrel  immediately  in  front  of  the 
breech-pin.  The  breech  Ksystem  is  composed  of  nine 
pieces,  viz  :  the  carrier-block,  the  sliding  breech-block, 
the  firing-pin,  the  firing-pin  screw,  the  ejector,  the 
ejector  spring,  the  hinge-band,  the  joint-screw  and  the 
spring-screw.  Length  of  barrel  from  muzzle  to  rear 
of  chamber,  37  inches ;  calibre  of  bore,  .58  inch ; 
diameters  of  chamber,  maximum  .65  inch  and  mini- 
mum .62  inch;  length  of  chamber,  1.76  inch.  The 
mean  dimensions  of  the  carrier-block,  are  3  inches  by 
1.09  inch  by  .42  inch,  and  of  the  breech-block,  2.43 
inches  by  .7  inch  by  .48  and  .75  inch.  Length  of 
hinge-band  2.06  inches  and  thickness  outside  of  barrel 
.07  inch  ;  width  of  hinge,  1.1  inch ;  of  spring  slot,  .56 
inch,  and  of  the  spring^  .55,  with  average  thickness  of 
.05  inch.  The  ejector,  .13  inch  thick,  and  greatest 
length  .8  inch.  Length  of  firing-pin,  3.37  inches,  with 
body  diameter  of  .21  inch  and  .08  at  point. 


23 

Since  previously  exhibited  to  the  Board  in  January, 
18G7,  marked  modifications  have  been  made  in  this 
gun.  The  previous  attachment  of  breech-bh)ck  liinge 
to  the  barrell  by  a  strap  or  sadde,  has  been  changed  to 
a  band,  clasping  the  barrel  and  reinforcing  at  a  desir- 
able point.  The  breech-block  now  enters  the  chamber 
like  a  stopple.  The  peculiarity  of  this  gun,  as  com- 
pared -with  others  of  its  class,  is  in  the  division  of  the 
breech-block  into  the  carrier-block,  and  the  breech- 
block proper,  sliding  longitudinall}^  on  each  other. 
The  breech-block  has  two  motions  relative  to  the 
cartridge-chamber,  a  longitudinal  slide  and  a  lateral 
motion  at  the  forward  end,  to  allow  it,  when  entering 
the  chamber,  to  follow  the  straight  line  of  the  bore,  as 
otherwise  it  Avould  continue  to  describe  the  arc  of  a 
circle,  whose  centre  would  be  that  of  the  liinge  screw. 
By  these  combined  movements,  it  is  claimed  that  the 
breech-block  is  well  inserted  in  the  chamber,  fitting 
closely  the  mouth  thereof;  that  compensatory  movement 
is  allowed  for  variations  in  the  thickness  of  cartridge- 
case  heads  ;  that  the  rear  end  of  the  block,  when  cart- 
ridge is  inserted,  rests  firmly  in  the  recoil-seat,  cut 
perpendicularly  to  the  axis  of  the  bore,  and  in  the 
stable-breech  of  the  gun,  preventing  it  from  upsetting 
by  recoil,  and  removing  all  strain  from  the  hinge  of  the 
carrier-block.  To  prevent  the  carrier-block  from 
uprising  in  case  of  bursting  of  cartridge-case,  the 
forward  end  is  secured  by  entry  into  the  cartridge- 
chamber,  while  it  is  firmly  locked  down  in  the  rear  by 
the  double  friction  concave  and  convex  surfaces, 
respectively  described  by  the  one  and  the  co-ordinate 
center  on  which  the  hammer  swings ;  the  swing  of  the 


24 

carrier-block  beino-  different  therefrom.  The  retractor 
rotates  upon  the  hinge-pin  of  the  carrier-block,  and 
gradually  draws  the  case  till  entirely  loose,  when  a  sud- 
denly accelerated  motion  is  given  by  means  of  spring, 
and  ejecting  the  case  entirely  from  the  chamber.  One 
of  these  ejector-springs,  snapped  at  the  rate  of  two 
hundred  and  eighty  times  per  minute,  endured  till  the 
27,1  GOth  "  snap  "  before  fracture.  The  firing-pin  oper- 
ates in  the  usual  manner,  and  the  hammer,  when  down, 
locks  over  a  projecting  lip  on  the  rear  of  the  carrier- 
block,  thus  securing  the  breech  from  accidental  opening. 
The  cartridges  used  with  this  gun  were  carefully 
charged  at  Windsor,  and  lubricated  by  Ball's  patent 
machine,  and  form  a  good  illustration  of  careful  pre- 
paration and  manufacture. 

Tests. 


First  Test.- 

—1st  Round - 

-100  fii 

res  and 

no  r 

nisi 

2cl 

(( 

100 

u 

3d 

(( 

100 

(( 

4tli 

a 

100 

(( 

5tli 

a 

100 

(C 

6th 

a 

100 

li 

Vth 

(( 

100 

(( 

8tli 

a 

100 

(( 

9th 

a 

100 

u 

10th 

C( 

100 

1 

(C 

This  test  was  entirely  satisfactory. 

Second  Test. — Four  cartridges  of  "  Lightning  "  powder  fired 
without  affecting  the  gun. 

Third  Test. — Four  cartrido;es  with  heads  filed  all  around  and 
one  with  the  head  filed  two-thirds  around,  were  fired  without 
opening  the  breech  or  deranging  the  gun.  It  was  apparent  that 
the  hammer  held  the  breech-block  down. 


25 

THE  MILLER  CONVERTED  BREECH-LOADER. 

Entered  by  W.  H-  &  G.  "W.  Miller,  West  Meriden,  Ct. 


Description. 

Tliis  g-un  resembles  very  closely  the  Allin  gun, 
being  claimed  as  an  improvement  thereon,  by  means 
of  a  new  locking  device  for  the  breech-block.  The 
breech  receiver  is  formed  by  cutting  away  the  upper 
part  of  barrel  in  usual  manner.  Length  of  barrel 
from  end  of  breech-block,  37  inches  ;  length  of  cham- 
ber, 1.5,  with  maximum  diameter  of  .65  and  minimum 
of  .63  inch.  Diameter  of  receiver,  .76,  and  length  2.5 
inches.  The  breech-block  is  made  with  a  round  solid 
plug  fitting  the  receiver,  with  flanges  projecting  over 
the  top  even  with  the  outside  of  the  barrel.  (This 
tight  fit  was  modified  during  trial — see  3d  test.)  The 
block  is  hinged  at  forward  end  in  usual  manner,  and 
at  its  rear  end  in  a  vertical  slot  is  fitted  the  slidinof 
bolt  which  locks  the  breech  when  closed ;  tliis  bolt,  or 
more  properly,  "  key,"  has  a  bearing  against  the  breech- 
pin  .5  inch  by  .37  inch,  and  a  sliding  motion  of  about 
.2  inch.  It  is  manipulated  by  a  shaft,  lever,  and  thumb - 
piece,  very  similar  to  those  parts  in  the  AlHn  gun. 
TJie  retractor  is  the  same  as  that  used  in  the  latter 
gun,  reference  to  which  (page  11)  is  made  for  descrip- 
tion. 

Tests. 

First  Test. — 1st  round — 100  fires  and  no  misfires. 

At  the  close  of  this  round  a  flaw  was  discovered  in  the  breech- 
block, extending  across  the  hinge,  and  occasioned  by  an  imper- 
fect weld,  and  by  permission  the  gun  was  withdrawn  for  the 
4 


26 

substitution  of  perfect  parts.     LTpon  the  gun  being  returned  it 
was  concluded  to  recommence  this  test. 

1st  Round  — 100  fires  and  5  misfires. 


2d 

100 

(( 

4 

(( 

3d 

100 

u 

2 

u 

4th 

100 

u 

6 

cc 

5th 

100 

u 

5 

(C 

6  th 

100 

ii 

Y 

cc 

Vth 

100 

li 

4 

cc 

8th 

100 

u 

3 

cc 

9th 

100 

u 

no 

cc 

10th 

100 

a 

(( 

cc 

The  cartridges  (external  primers)  used  in  the  first  six  rounds 
leaked  about  the  cap  orifice,  and  fouled  the  chamber  very  much. 
The  gun  worked  well,  and  the  test  was  satisfactory. 

Second  Test. — Four  "  Lischtningf "  cartrid sees  were  fii'ed  without 
affecting  the  gun. 

Third  Test. — Fired  a  cartridge  with  head  filed  all  around; 
the  breech-block  was  blown  open  and  the  hammer  cocked  by  the 
explosion ;  the  tumbler  of  the  lock  was  also  broken,  but  no  other 
appreciable  injury.  A  new  tumbler  having  been  placed  in  the 
lock,  a  similar  cartridge  was  fired,  and  the  breech  was  again 
blown  open,  the  hammer  remaining  down,  but  the  key  or  bolt  of 
the  locking  device  was  broken  into  two  pieces.  Permission 
being  granted,  the  gun  was  repaired  by  a  substitution  of  a  new 
key,  and  the  breech-block,  the  close  fit  of  which  in  the  receiver  had 
been  considered  an  advantage  by  the  exhibitors,  was  cut  aAvay  on 
the  sides  to  allow  a  free  escape  of  gas.  No  other  changes  were 
made.  It  was  then  fired  with  four  cartridges,  the  heads  of  which 
were  filed  all  around,  and  one  filed  two-thirds  around,  without 
affecting  the  breech  or  appendages. 


27 

THE  NEEDIIAM  BREECH-LOADER. 

Entered  by  James  Graham  Gray,  New  York  City. 


DESCRirxiox. 

The  barrel  of  original  gun  is  cut  off  about  three 
inches  in  front  of  the  breech-pin,  and  screwed  into  a 
new  breech-receiver.  Tlie  breech-block  consists  of  a 
solid  piece  of  iron  hinged  to  the  front  of  receiver,  and 
moving  in  a  horizontal  plane  to  the  riglit  in  opening 
the  breech.  The  original  lock  is  retained,  but  the 
hammer  is  prolonged  into  a  wedge-formed  key,  wliicli, 
in  firing,  descends  into  a  vertical  slot,  cut  into  the  rear 
of  the  breech-block,  thus  locking  it  in  place,  and  at  the 
same  time  the  wedge  drives  forward  the  firing-pin.  To 
open  the  breech,  the  hammer  is  cocked,  thus  releasing 
the  block,  which  is,  however,  retained  in  place  by  the 
back  pressure  of  the  firing-pin  acted  upon  by  a  spiral 
spring.  By  a  projecting  handle  on  upper  and  back 
part  of  the  block,  it  is  swung  laterally  and  forward, 
and  strikes  a  spur  attached  to  the  extractor,  working 
on  the  same  liinge,  and  thus  drawing  out  the  cartridge- 
case.  Length  of  barrel,  37  inches;  length  of  chamber, 
3  inches ;  length  of  breech-receiver,  4  inches,  with 
width  of  1.25  inch. 

Tests. 
The  Board,  after  a  careful  examination  of  this  gun  as  first  pre- 
sented, being  of  opinion  that  the  locking  device  would  not  witli- 
stand  the  third  test,  concluded  to  save  time  by  such  a  trial  at  the 
outset.  Four  cartridges  with  heads  filed  all  around  were  consecu- 
tively fired,  and  the  breech  was  on  each  occasion  blown  open, 
the  hammer  being  partially  thrown  up  and  the  projecting  Avedge 
bent.     Tlie  exhibitor  claiming  that  this  result  was  occasioned  by 


28 

a  defect  in  the  workmanship  and  not  in  the  principle,  permission 
was  granted  him  to  withdraw  the  gun  and  changes  to  be  made. 
This  being  done,  the  gun  was  again  presented,  and  withstanding 
tlie  successive  action  of  three  filed  cartridges,  was  admitted  to 
the  recrular  routine  of  trial. 


.\^      J.\^iiVlXC».X        JLV 

f  \^yj±.yx\j     \^ 

* 

First  Test- 

-1st  R( 

bund- 

-100 fii 

res  ar 

id 

1  misfi 

2d 

le 

100 

5 

3d 

a 

100 

6 

4  th 

a 

100 

6         " 

5  th 

a 

100 

6 

6  th 

(( 

100 

3 

7th 

ii. 

100 

3 

8th 

(( 

100 

10       " 

9th 

u 

100 

22        " 

10th 

u 

100 

22        " 

The  large  proportion  of  the  misfires  in  the  last  two  rounds  is 
attributable  to  the  imperfect  system  of  driving  the  firing-pin. 
This  being  done  by  the  wedge  motion  of  the  prolonged  hammer, 
is  confined  to  a  motion  of  less  than  one  tenth  of  an  inch,  and 
indirect,  i.  e.,  not  the  direct  full  blow  from  the  hammer  ordinarily 
received,  and  consequently  readily  afiected  by  gradual  loosening 
and  play  of  the  hammer  or  debility  of  the  spring.  The  cartridges 
that  missed  fire  Avere  successfully  exploded  in  another  kind  of 


gun. 


Second  Test. — Four  "  Lightning  "  cartridges  were  fired,  with 
percejDtible  effect  upon  the  gun. 

Third  Test. — Fired  four  cartridges  with  heads  filed  all  around 
and  one  with  head  filed  two-thirds  around,  without  blowing  open 
the  breech  or  deranging  the  gun,  though  the  strain  upon  the 
hammer  was  very  perceptible. 


29 

THE    CON  ROY    BUEECII-LOADER. 

Entered  by  General  E.  L.  Molineux,  New  York  City. 


Description. 

This  gun  lias  a  separate  breecli-receiver  into  wliicli 
tlie  barrel  is  screwed.  The  receiver,  breech-block, 
hammer,  trigger,  guard  lever  and  recoil  block  are  of 
wrought  iron  case-hardened.  The  lock  spring  and 
retractors  are  of  steel.  Length  of  barrel  37f  inches. 
Distance  from  centre  of  butt-plate  to  face  of  breech- 
block 14f  inches.     Calibre  of  barrel  .58  inch. 

The  breech-block  is  a  quarter  of  a  circle,  whose 
radius  is  1.75  inches,  and  it  has  a  thickness  of  .81  inch. 
Through  the  center  of  the  block  is  an  opening,  into 
which  the  hammer  is  fitted ;  in  the  lower  end  of  the 
hammer  there  is  a  suitable  slot  to  receive  the  upper 
portion  of  the  trigger,  which  portion  is  cone-shaped. 
The  guard  lever  has  a  pair  of  lugs  on  its  forward  end, 
and  enters  up  into  the  walls  of  the  receiver  which  is 
formed  to  receive  them.  Through  the  lower  portion 
of  the  receiver,  and  in  line  with  the  face  of  the  breech- 
block when  closed,  there  is  a  hole  to  receive  the  pin, 
which  passes  through  the  center  of  revolution  of  the 
breech-block,  the  hammer  and  the  trigger,  thus  these 
three  pieces  swing  on  a  common  center.  In  connec- 
tion with  this  pin  is  a  sleeve,  serving  a  double  purpose ; 
before  the  parts  are  placed  in  the  receiver,  they  are 
placed  in  position  and  the  sleeve  passed  through  them, 
thus  securing  their  centers,  so  that  when  j)laced  in  the 
receiver  the  passage  of  the  pin  is  facilitated ;   it  also 


30  a 

reduces  friction.  The  main  spring  is  placed  forward 
and  beneath,  nearly  in  line  with  the  center  pin,  the 
npper  limb  of  which  serves  as  a  stop  when  the  hammer 
is  cocked.  By  pulling-  on  the  trigger  the  upper  limb 
of  the  spring  is  raised  by  the  action  of  the  cam,  and 
the  hammer  being  liberated  is  brought  down  by  the 
lower  portion  of  the  main-spring,  which  has  been  pre- 
viously kept  in  tension  by  the  cocking  of  the  hammer. 
The  recoil  block  is  a  short  piece  of  the  same  thickness 
as  breech-block,  its  rear  end  is  semi- circular,  and  it 
rests  in  a  corresponding  seat  in  the  upper  and  rear  end 
-of  the  receiver,  and  is  kept  in  position  by  a  pivotal 
pin.  The  forward  end  of  this  block  is  fitted  against  a 
shoulder  formed  in  the  breech-block,  and  which  thus 
braced  transmits  the  recoil  in  a  direct  line  to  the  recoil 
seat.  In  bringing  down  the  guard  lever,  its  first  ope- 
ration is  to  raise  the  recoil  block  sufficiently  (and  no 
more)  to  release  the  breech  block,  wdiich  then  revolves, 
its  movement  being  accelerated  by  a  spring.  The 
retractor  may  be  single  or  double ;  in  the  gun  pre- 
sented it  was  double,  having  a  positive  motion  and 
operated  by  the  guard  lever. 

Tests. 

First  Test. — 1st  Round  —  100  fires  and  5  misfires. 
2d         "  100         "         4         " 

3d         "  100         "         9         " 

4th        "  100         "         5         " 

5th        "  100         "         3         " 

6th        "  100         "         9         " 

Vth        "  100         "         4         " 

8th        '•  100         "         9         " 

9th        "  100         "         9         " 

10th        "  100         "         6         " 

The  gun  M'ithstood  this  test  without  any  ijerceiDtible  wear  of 
the  working  parts  or  their  derangement. 


I 


31 

Second  Test.  Fired  lour  "  IJiililuiiif?"  cartridsjes  witliout 
alVoctino-  the  c'lin. 

T/ilnl  2esf.  Fired  four  cartridges  Avith  llie  heads  filed  all 
around,  and  one  with  liead  tiled  two-thirds  around.  The  breccli 
remained  stable  and  tlic  mechanism  unatiected. 

As  this  gun  liad  not  been  examined  at  the  previous  session  of 
the  Board,  it  was  submitted  to  several  of  the  tests  at  that  time 
prescribed  (See  pages  G  and  7,  lleport  of  April  G.) 

For  rcqndity  it  was  fired  at  a  target  15:^  inches  in  diameter,  at 
range  of  one  hundred  feet,  thirteen  times  in  a  minute,  by  Mr. 
Conroy,  three  balls  entering  the  target.  It  was  then  fired  by 
3[r.  \.  G.  Sinclair  sixteen  times  in  a  minute,  five  balls  in  target; 
seventeen  times  in  a  minute  and  two  balls  in  target ;  and  fifteen 
times  in  a  minute  and  eleven  balls  in  target. 

It  was  then  subjected  to  the  "  sand-test "  (Xo.  9  of  previous 
report ),  and  was  readily  cleansed  by  percussion  and  wiping  with 
the  fingers.  This  test  repeated  with  same  result  and  the  gun 
w^as  fired  several  times,  operating  satisfactorily. 


THE  REMINGTOX  IMPR0\T:D  BREECH-LOADER. 

Entered  by  E.  Remington  &  Sons,  Ilion,  N.  Y. 


Description. 

This  is  au  adaptation  of  the  "Remington  breecli- 
system  "  to  the  Springfield  Rifle  Musket.  Tlie  system 
is  manufactured  by  machinery,  and  is  the  same  in  all 
essential  respects  as  used  in  the  original  gun  tested  by 
the  Board  at  its  former  session  (page  45  of  Report). 
The  parts,  material,  and  dimensions  of  the  system  are  as 
follows  : 

Receiver,  iron,  case-hardened ;  length  through  the 
body  at  center,  4.25   inches  ;  the  thickness  from  out- 


32 

side  to  outside,  1.32  inch;  thickness  of  sides,  .29  inch. 
Guard-strap,  iron,  case-hardened ;  length,  8.25  inches. 
Breech-block,  steel;  thickness,  .735  inch;  body,  .837 
at  face ;  diameter  at  axis,  1.04  inch.  Hammer,  steel ; 
thickness,  .735  inch  ;  distance  from  recoil  shoulder  to 
center  of  axis,  .92  inch.  Two  pivotal  pins,  steel ; 
diameter,  .42  inch.  Retractor,  steel;  length,  1.16  inch. 
Mainspring,  steel ;  simple  curve.  Friction  lever,  steel. 
Friction  lever  spring,  steel.  Trigger,  trigger-spring, 
firing-pin,  firing-pin  S])ring,  button  and  two  small  pins, 
all  of  steel.  Eight  screws  and  one  small  pin  of  iron, 
case-hardened. 

The  barrel  of  the  Springfield  gun  is  cut  off  in  front 
of  its  old  breech-pin,  a  screw  cut  on  outside  at  breech 
so  as  to  fit  the  Remington  breech  receiver.  Outer  edge 
at  breech  is  beveled  on  under  side  so  as  to  conform  to 
that  portion  of  breech-block  swinging  underneath  the 
barrel ;  and  in  this  respect  tlie  same  as  entirely  new 
guns  of  this  system.  The  cliamber  is  conical,  w'ith 
length  of  1.95  inch ;  maximum  diameter,  .67  inch, 
minimum  diameter,  .62  inch  ;  deplh  of  counter-bore,  .09 
inch,  diameter  ,77  inch.  Length  of  barrel  from  muzzle 
to  face  of  breech-block,  39-i-o"  inches,  same  as  Spring- 
field muzzle-loading  gun.  Outside  of  barrel  is  same 
as  Springfield  gun,  Avith  addition  of  a  recoil  stud  for 
front  stock  ;  diameter  at  screwy  .97  inch,  and  at  bottom 
of  thread  .915  inch.  The  stock  of  the  Springfield  gun 
has  a  section  removed  at  locality  corresponding  to  the 
Remington  system,  eliminating  part  adapted  to  Spring- 
field lock  and  leaving  the  stock  in  tw^o  parts,  these  being 
fitted  to  the  breecli-receiver  and  barrel  precisely  as  in 
new  guns  of  this  S3^stem.  Ram-rod  secured  by  screw- 
ing into  lug  in  breach  receiver,  and  head  milled  for 


33 

easy  Avitlidrawal.  All  the  other  parts  same  as  in 
unconverted  g-un.  For  further  description  of  operation 
of  this  gun,  reference  is  made  to  previous  report,  page 
45. 

Tests. 
J^irst  2 est. — 1st  Round — 100  fires  and  3  misfires. 


2d 

<c 

100 

(( 

2 

3d 

(( 

100 

(( 

4 

4th 

(( 

100 

a 

no 

5th 

li 

100 

a 

4 

6th 

11 

100 

li 

no 

7th 

li 

100 

ii 

2 

8  th 

(( 

100 

(C 

1 

9th 

(( 

100 

li 

no 

10th 

(( 

100 

(l 

1 

The  gnn  operated  well,  there  being  no  perceptible  wear  of  the 
working  parts  nor  any  derangement  thereof. 

Second  Test.  Fired  four  "  Lightning  "  cartridges  Avithout  any 
efiect  ujjon  the  gun. 

Third  Test.  Fired  four  cartridges  with  heads  filed  all  around 
and  one  with  head  filed  two-thirds  around,  without  in  any  man- 
ner deranging  the  mechanism  or  disturbino;  the  breech. 


CL^SS    ir'iirT:H:. 
THE  BURTOX  BREECH-LOADIXG  RIFLE. 

Entered  by  Bethel  Burton,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 


DESCKIPTIOX. 

Tlie  barrel  is  screwed  into  a  breech-receiver  which 
is  cylindrical  in  form,  being  a  tube,  into  the  forward 
end  of  which  the  barrel  is  screwed  as  above,  and  the 
rear  end  furnished  with  a  female  screw  of  eight  threads 


34 

to  the  inch,  cut  in  sections.  The  breech-block  is  cyl- 
indrical and  closely  fits  the  receiver,  and  has  at  its  rear 
end  a  screw  cut  to  fit  that  in  the  receiver.  The 
receiver  has  an  oblong  orifice  cut  through  upper  side 
immediately  in  front  of  the  chamber,  for  insertion  of 
the  cartridge,  and  which  orifice  has  a  sliding  cover  to 
which  is  attached  a  foot  half  an  inch  in  length,  to 
which  projection  is  screwed  a  steady  pin  which  is  made 
to  enter  a  chamber  in  the  breech-block ;  throujrh  this 
steady  pin  there  passes  a  plunger  for  transmitting  the 
blow  to  the  cartridge.  In  the  breech-block  chamber 
is  placed  a  thimble  constituting  the  hammer  and  con- 
taining a  spiral  spring,  the  thimble  serving  to  transmit 
the  blow  to  the  plunger,  and  also  to  protect  the  spring 
from  coming  in  contact  with  the  pin  on  the  trigger,  and 
prevents  sand  or  dirt  from  entering  the  chamber  when 
the  block  is  drawn  back.  The  block  has  longitudinal 
or  L-shaped  slot  cut,  and  in  the  receiver  there  is  also 
a  corresponding  hole  made,  through  which  passes  a 
square  pin,  serving  to  guide  the  breech-block  in  and 
out  of  place,  and  retaining  the  spring  coiled  up  till 
released  by  action  of  the  trigger,  which,  pulling  down 
the  pin,  allows  the  spring  to  force  the  thimble  against 
the  plunger ;  and  by  means  of  said  pin,  premature  dis- 
charge is  prevented,  as  the  trigger  is  not  disengaged 
till  the  breech-block  is  firmly  screwed  by  giving  it 
one-quarter  of  an  entire  revolution,  by  means  of  a 
projecting  handle  at  its  rear  end. 

The  cartridge-case  is  retracted  by  means  of  a  straight 
spring  let  in  to  the  under  side  of  the  cover  of  receiver, 
and  is  kept  in  place  by  the  coupling  of  the  cover  and 
breech-block,  the  cover  supporting  the  spring  against 
fracture  by  bursting  of  cartridge-head.     A  hook  on 


35 

the  end  of  this  sprhig-  passes  over  tlie  flange  of  the 
cartridge-case  when  the  breech  is  closed,  and  wlien 
the  block  is  drawn  back,  retracts  the  case.  The  pres- 
sure of  the  spiral  spring  against  the  plnnger,  forces  the 
cartridge  forward,  and  being  retained  by  tlie  hook  of 
the  spring-retractor,  as  soon  as  the  block  is  drawn 
back  rapidly,  the  case  is  thrown  out  of  the  receiver. 


Tests. 

I"irst  Test.— ^  St  1\ 

^ound  - 

— 100  fires  and 

no 

misfires. 

2d 

(( 

100 

3d 

(C 

100 

4th 

(( 

100 

5  th 

(( 

100 

Cth 

(( 

100 

Vth 

(( 

100 

8th 

u 

100 

9th 

ii 

100 

10th 

n 

100 

This  test  Avas  entir 

ely 

satisfactory, 

there  being  no  perceptible 

•wear  or  derail i^ement 

,, 

Second  Test. — Fired  four  "  Lightning  "  cartridges,  with  results 
entirely  satisfactory. 

Third  Test. — Fired  four  cartridges  with  heads  filed  all  around, 
and  one  with  head  filed  two-thirds  around,  Avithout  affecting  the 
breech  or  deranging  the  gun  in  any  manner. 


GUNS  NOT  FULLY  TESTED. 


There  were  also  exhibited  to  the  Board  several  guns 
whicli  were  not  subjected  to  the  tests  or  accepted  in 
competition,  for  reasons  as  respectively  set  forth  : 

The  Empire  Breech-Loader,  No.  2. — This  was  one 
of  the  guns  tested  at  the  previous  session  (See  page  17, 
Report  of  April  Gtli),  and  was  again  exhibited  with  an 
iron  guard-plate  bedded  in  the  stock  beneath  the  breech 
to  protect  the  stock  from  destructive  action  of  the  gas 
and  to  render  the  breech  more  stable.  Four  60  grain 
rim-fire  cartridges  were  fired  with  satisfactory  results, 
showing  that  one  of  the  objections  hitherto  made  to  this 
arm  had  been  removed. 

Hinden  and  Schweikart's  Needle  Gun. — "Was  pre- 
sented by  Joseph  Hinden  and  Walter  Schweikart,  of 
Detroit,  Mich.  This  gun,  based  upon  the  Prussian 
Zundnadelgewehn,  was  claimed  as  a  great  improvement 
upon  that  arm  in  every  respect.  Tlie  cartridges  used 
with  this  gun  were  claimed  as  new,  the  explosive  mix- 
ture being  superior  to  the  similar  chemical  compound 
in  tlie  Prussian  cartridges,  which,  however,  in  general 
principles  they  closely  resembled.     The  exhibitor  wit- 


37 

nessecl  for  one  day  the  operatioii  of  other  guns  and 
then  disappeared,  taking-  away  his  gun  and  cartridges 
without  apology  or  exphmation. 

Hubbell's  Breech-Loading  Uifle. — This  Avas  one 
of  the  guns  tested  at  the  previous  session  of  the  Board 
(See  page  21,  hist  report).  It  was  not  subjected  on 
this  occasion  to  all  the  tests,  and  could  not  be  entered 
into  full  competition,  as  the  exhibitor  was  not  provided 
with  the  requisite  number  of  cartridges.  In  the  last 
report,  in  description  of  this  gun,  it  was  stated  that  it 
was  provided  with  a  separate  receiver,  this  was  an 
error,  the  receiver  being  formed  by  cutting  away  a 
portion  of  the  barrel,  as  in  most  guns  of  this  class. 

Fired  one  hundred  70  grain  cartridges  (Martin's  cen- 
tral-fire, calibre  .50,  fabricated  at  Frankford  Arsenal). 
There  was  considerable  lead  and  residuum  left  in  the 
barrel,  and  attributable  to  excessive  "slugging"  of  the 
ball  and  inferior  quality  of  powder.  It  formed  a  great 
contrast  with  the  results  from  the  cartridges  prescribed 
by  the  Board. 

Fired  four  cartridges  (same  as  above)  with  heads 
filed  all  around ;  the  breech  not  affected  nor  gun  in 
any  manner  deranged. 

The  special  advantage  claimed  for  this  gun  is  its 
automatic  loading,  i.  e.,  the  cartridge  is  simply  dropped 
into  the  receiver  and  pushed  into  the  chamber  by  the 
act  of  closing  the  breech.  The  Board  does  not  appre- 
ciate highly  this  point  which  this  gun  possesses  in  com- 
mon with  several  others. 

The  Montstorm  Breech-Loader. — This  also  is  one 
of  the  guns  examined  at  previous  session  of  the  Board 


3S 

(See  page  32,  Report  of  April  6tli).  The  exhibitor  was 
not  prepared  to  enter  it  for  competition,  but  presented 
it  as  a  great  improvement  upon  the  former  sample,  in 
workmanship  and  details.  It  thus  affords  opportunity 
to  correct  the  results  of  inadvertence  in  the  previous 
report  of  the  Board.  On  page  60,  in  giving  the  rela- 
tive standing  of  gans,  it  was  intended  to  place  the 
Montstorm  between  "  Joslyn's  Cap "  and  "  Meigs'," 
thus  making  \i  fifth  in  the  list,  but  by  some  oversight 
the  gun  was  entirely  omitted  from  the  list.  As  the 
prototype  of  its  class  (first),  this  gun  will  always  be 
worthy  of  interest,  and  especially  for  merits  originally 
ignored  by  successors,  but  now  appreciated  and  imitated. 

The  Morganstein  Breech-Loader. — Presented  by 
William  Morganstein,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  Two  guns 
Avere  exhibited,  diff*ering  from  that  entered  at  previous 
session  of  the  Board  (See  page  39,  last  report).  Upon 
examination,  though  comprising  many  most  ingenious 
contrivances,  the  Board  did  not  consider  them  as  suffi- 
ciently meritorious,  in  their  present  condition,  to  entitle 
them  to  competition. 

The  Yates  Breech-Loader. — This  gun  was  exhib- 
ited to  the  Board,  but  the  inventor  did  not  enter  it  for 
competition,  as  it  was  the  only  sample  manufactured, 
and  he  had  enffag-ements  with  it  elsewhere.  Six  of 
Martin's  central-fire  cartridges,  calibre  .50,  were  used  ; 
three  missed  fire,  and  an  "  anvil "  driven  out  of  one  of 
the  others,  deranged  the  action  of  the  gun. 

The  Cochran  Breech-Loader. — This  arm  was  not 
exhibited  until  the  last  day  of  the  session,  and  conse- 
quently too  late  for  testing. 


39 

Of  tlie  guns  thus  exhibited  and  not  entered  for  com- 
petition, the  Board  is  of  opinion  that  none  possess 
merits  superior  to  the  arms  fully  tested  at  this  session- 

The  following  general  conclusions,  regarding  the 
individual  guns  and  the  several  classes,  are  made  by 
the  ]3oard,  some  of  Avhich  are  corrective  of  the  con- 
clusions made  and  published  in  the  previous  report : 

Guxs  OF  THE  First  Class,  i.  e. :  With  breech-block  liinjTed 
to  the  front  or  rear  of  the  receiver,  and  to  open  the  breech, 
swinging  forward  in  a  plane,  vertical  or  horizontal,  and  paral- 
lel to  the  axis  of  the  barrel. 

The  Allin  Gun. — The  locking  device  is  secure  and  easily 
manipulated.  The  Miller  ejector  is  disapproved,  as  the  forcible 
blow  of  the  breecli-l)lock  upon  the  lever,  as  required  to  eject 
the  cartridge-case,  occasions  great  wear  by  battering  the  lever 
and  breech-block,  and  would  probably,  after  continued  use, 
become  inefficient.  This  ejector  was  introduced  to  do  away 
with  a  spring,  which  has  been  hitherto  considered  undesirable. 
The  Board,  after  very  careful  consideration,  conclude  that 
springs  of  proper  form,  material  and  workmanship,  will  equal 
in  endurance  the  other  portions  of  the  mechanism.  The 
durability  of  properly  manufactured  and  inspected  springs  is 
demonstrated  by  those  in  the  lock  of  the  Springfield  muzzle- 
loading  arms.  Xo  device  can  secure  the  exact  and  constant 
ejection  of  the  case  so  well  as  a  spring  of  the  proper  elasticity. 
The  question  of  ejection  of  the  cartridge-case  is,  however,  one 
dependent  upon  class  of  breech  system,  and  in  many  cases 
mere  retraction  is  alone  necessarv. 

The  method  of  securing  the  breech-block  hinge  to  the  barrel, 
by  a  band  entirely  clasping  the  latter,  is  a  most  decided 
improvement  upon  the  strap  merely  screwed  on. 

The  Berdan  Gun,  J\^o.  2. — This  gun  has  no  independent 
locking  device  for  the  breech,  but  depends  upon  certain  nice 
calculations  and  analysis  of  the  forces  of  recoil.     As  a  merely 


40 

mecliaiiical  demonstration,  such  calculations  may  be  entirely 
satisfactory,  but  applied  to  practice,  and  relying  for  their 
efficiency  upon  careful  manufacture,  and  delicate  adjustments 
involving  exact  measurements,  they  are  undesirable.  The 
best  evidence  of  this  rests  in  the  fact  that  the  ingenious 
exhibitor  of  this  gun  has  presented  another  upon  the  system 
of  absolute  and  separate  lock. 

The  Berdan  Gun,  Wo.  1. — This  gun  exhibits  the  modifica- 
tions induced  by  the  tests  and  developments  made  by  this 
Board.  The  "  loose  hinge  "  compensatory  movement  for  lock- 
ing the  breech,  is  abandoned  for  a  locking  device  resembling, 
in  its  general  features,  that  of  the  Allin  gun,  and  over  which 
the  majority  of  the  Board  believes  that  it  has  no  material 
advantage.  The  retractor  and  ejector  are  the  same  as  hitherto 
employed  by  Col.  Berdan,  and  perform  their  several  ofiices 
well  and  invariably. 

The  Lamson  Gun. — This  gun  has  no  independent  locking 
device,  and  the  ability  to  close  the  breech  and  secure  it  when 
in  position,  depends  upon  a  divided  breech-block,  the  relative 
motion  of  one  portion  of  which  upon  the  other  is  equivalent 
in  eiiect  to  the  loose  hinge  in  Berdan's  No.  2  gun.  As  in  that 
arm,  nice  adjustments  and  workmanship  are  required,  nor 
even  then  can  they  be  considered  as  efficient.  The  guns  of 
this  system  exhibited  to  the  Board  have  been  of  beautiful 
workmanship  and  unexceptionable  material,  displaying  great 
mechanical  skill ;  yet  at  the  previous  session  of  the  Board  both 
the  guns  exhibited  were  disabled  by  the  explosion  of  defective 
cartridges,  and  at  the  present  session  the  breech  of  the  gun, 
as  first  exhibited,  was  blown  open  by  similar  cartridges.  It 
was  subsequently  modified,  so  as  to  withstand  the  test,  but  it 
is  obvious  that  a  system  requiring  such  nice  adjustments  is 
undesirable  for  military  arms.  The  retractor  and  ejector  of 
this  gun  are  highly  approved  by  the  whole  Board,  and  its  easy 
application  to  the  hinge  band  around  the  barrel,  or  to  a  sepa- 
rate receiver,  further  commends  it. 


41 

The  Miller  Gun. — Tlie  lockiiiir:  deviee'of  this  pjnn  is  designed 
as  an  equivalent  for  tliat  of  the  Allin,  the  advanta<2:cs  chiimed 
bein«5  the  possibility  of  a  scpiare  recoil  seat,  and  not  crowdinj^ 
the  cartridge  case  forward  in  opening  the  breech.  Conceding 
tliese  points,  the  Board  does  not  conceive  them  as  veiy  mate- 
rial, •while  the  sliding  movement  of  the  key  and  consequent 
friction  and  wear  are  certainly  disadvantages.  If  to  prevent 
wear  the  key  is  hardened,  a  violent  explosion,  as  from  an 
imperfect  cartridge,  may  break  the  key,  as  was  illustrated  by 
the  tests.  The  ejector  of  this  arm  has  been  estimated  under 
the  head  of  the  Allin  gun. 

The,  Needham  Gun. — The  lateral  movement  of  the  breech- 
block in  opening  and  closing  the  breech,  is  a  disadvantage  as 
a  departure  from  the  unity  of  movements  in  vertical  planes, 
and  therefore  being  awkward.  The  locking  device  is  defect- 
ive,  as  throwing  the  whole  strain  of  resistance  upon  the 
hammer,  and  tending  to  wrench  and  loosen  it  and  otherwise 
derange  the  lock.  The  propulsion  of  the  firing  pin  by  the 
w'edging  action  of  the  prolonged  hammer,  is  a  very  inferior 
substitute  for  the  direct,  forcible  blow  usually  attained,  and 
the  acquired  movement  of  the  pin  is  very  limited. 

Generally  of  guns  of  this  class  the  following  conclusions 
are  made : 

1st.  That  the  necessity  of  an  independent  locking  device,  as 
recommended  in  the  previous  report,  is  adhered  to ;  the  con- 
victions of  the  Board  on  this  point  being  strengthened  by 
further  tests  and  examinations. 

2d.  That  a  new,  separate  receiver  is  preferable  to  the  form- 
ation of  a  receiver  in  the  barrel  itself,  by  cutting  portions 
away.  The  breech  of  the  gun  sustains  a  greater  shock,  and 
therefore  requires  greater  strength  than  any  other  part,  and 
this  can  be  adequately  ensured  only  by  an  entirely  new 
receiver  into  which  the  barrel  is  screwed  or  otherwise  secured. 
Any  required  form  or  strength  can  thus  be  given  to  the 
receiver,  which  is  really  the  trunk  to  which  the  whole  breech 
mechanism  is  appended,  while  the  additional  weight  is  com- 


42 

paratively  small  and  placed  at  the  most  advantageous  point  to 
counteract  recoil.  All  parts  can  by  this  means  be  made  inter- 
changeable, and  any  irreparable  injury  to  the  barrel  would  not 
involve  the  loss  of  the  entire  arm,  as  another  barrel  could  be 
readily  substituted.  The  band  attachment  of  the  breech- 
block hinge,  as  in  the  Allin  and  Lamson  guns,  is  an  improve- 
ment upon  the  strap  or  saddle  attachment,  but  the  use  of  a 
new  detached  receiver  is  by  far  the  better  alternative. 

3d.  As  in  guns  of  this  class,  from  the  deep,  trough-like 
nature  of  the  receiver  ejection  of  the  discharged  cartridge- 
case  is  desirable,  that  such  ejection  is  best  accomplished 
by  the  elastic  force  of  a  spring  suddenly  disengaged  from 
tension. 

4th.  That  as  stated  in  the  previous  report,  the  main  weak- 
ness of  this  class  of  guns  consists  in  the  unavoidable  hinge 
attachment  of  the  heavy  breech-block,  as  such  attachment,  in 
view  of  long  continued  service,  cannot  be  considered  as  relia- 
bl}"  stable. 

5th.  That  of  the  guns  of  this  class,  the  adoption  of  the 
separate  breech  receiver,  the  Allin  locking  device  and  the 
Lamson  ejector  would  represent  a  combination  of  the  best 
details. 

Guns  of  the  Second  Class,  i.  e. :  The  breech-block  hinged 
to  left  or  right  hand  side  of  the  receiver,  and  moving  in  a 
plane  at  right  angles  to  the  axis  of  the  barrel. 

No  guns  of  this  class  were  presented  at  this  session.  The 
previous  conclusions  of  the  Board  regarding  them  are  adhered 
to,  and  they  are  esteemed  as  inferior  in  several  points  to  those 
of  the  first  class,  and  which  they  more  nearly  resemble. 

Guns  of  the  Third  Class,  i.  e. :  "With  the  breech-block 
moving  on  a  shoulder  or  pivot  at  its  rear  end,  and  dropping 
the  forward  end  in  the  receiver,  below  the  chamber,  for  the 
insertion  of  the  cartridge. 


43 

The  Roberts  Gun  was  the  only  gun  of  this  class  presented 
at  this  session,  and  it  combined  many  improvements  since 
tested  at  the  previous  session.  The  breech-block  and  appen- 
dages are  readily  removed  and  replaced  without  dismounting 
the  entire  gun,  as  hitherto.  A  spring  has  also  been  ai)plied  to 
the  firing-pin,  retracting  it  when  not  pressed  forward  by  the 
hanmier.  The  lever  should  be  further  depressed,  so  as  to  lie 
closer  to  the  neck  of  the  stock.  The  strength  and  safety  of 
this  gun,  its  easy  manipulation,  and  its  capabilities  for  rapid 
firing,  are  conceded  by  the  entire  Board.  The  security  of  the 
breech-block,  as  against  accident  by  premature  explosion,  is 
indubitable.  The  ejection  of  the  empty  cartridge-case  is 
accomplished  without  springs,  as  the  inclined  position  of  the 
breech-block  facilitates  the  ejection.  Original  guns  on  this 
system,  while  embracino;  all  the  advantao;es  of  the  converted 
gun  tested,  would  also  be  capable  of  other  important 
improvements. 

Generally,  it  may  be  expressed  that  guns  of  this  class, 
from  the  peculiar  system  of  the  breech,  are  eminently  safe 
and  durable,  capable  of  sufticient  rapidity  of  fire;  and 
the  objection  that  they  are  not  adapted  to  the  center  fire 
system  of  cartridges,  is  sutiSciently  answered  by  the  successful 
tests. 

Guxs  OF  THE  Fourth  Class,  i.  e. :  With  the  breech-block 
pivoted  at  its  lower  front  portion,  near  the  front  of  receiver 
and  below  the  level  of  chamber,  and  revolving  in  a  vertical 
plane,  passing  through  the  axis  of  the  barrel,  falling  back  to 
open  the  breech  and  forward  to  close  it. 

The  Convoy  Gun. — This  arm  is  capable  of  great  rapidity  of 
fire,  and  the  breech,  when  closed,  is  strong  and  safe,  the  lock- 
ing being  very  efticient.  The  guard-lever  movement  is  some- 
what objectionable,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  previous  report, 
but  less  so  than  any  gun  on  that  principle  yet  examined.  The 
main  and  rear  spring  (both  in  one)  is  exposed  on  the  under 
side  of  the  gun,  and  on  account  of  its  importance,  should  be 


44 

suitably  cased.  Tliere  is  no  danger  to  be  apprehended  from 
premature  explosion  of  cartridge.  The  mechanism  of  the 
breech  is  complicated,  consisting  of  many  distinct  pieces,  and 
most  of  them  exposed  when  the  breech  is  open.  Possessing 
several  good  points,  those  of  an  objectionable  character,  com- 
bined with  the  great  cost  arising  from  complicated  mechanism, 
would  appear  to  condemn  this  system  for  alteration  of  muzzle- 
loadino-  arms. 

The  Remington  Gun. — The  favorable  opinion  of  this  gun, 
as  expressed  in  the  previous  report,  is  reaffirmed.  For  conver- 
sion, the  same  system  as  in  an  original  gun  is  adopted.  The 
substitution  of  an  entirely  new  lock  renders  this  alteration 
more  expensive  than  many  other  systems.  The  independence 
of  the  system  in  its  relations  to  the  remainder  of  the  arm  and 
the  compactness  of  the  mechanism,  are  approved.  The  dis- 
tinct receiver,  as  in  other  guns  possessing  it,  gives  an  advantage 
in  the  substitution  of  new  barrels.  The  brass  cas'e  cartridge 
should  be  alone  used  in  this  system,  as  the  permanent  expan- 
sion of  the  copper  cases  is  apt  to  render  the  opening  of  the 
breech  difficult. 

Generally  of  guns  of  this  class  it  is  concluded: 

1st.  That  from  the  movement  and  attachment  of  the  breech- 
block, a  very  strong  and  efficient  locking  arrangement  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  security. 

2d.  That  ejectors  are  not  necessary,  as  the  simple  retraction 
of  the  cartridge  case  disengages  it  sufficiently,  and  the  form  of 
receiver  facilitates  its  removal. 

Guns  of  the  Fifth  Class,  i.  e. :  "With  the  breech-block 
sliding  horizontally  or  vertically  in  the  receiver. 

The  Burton  Gun  was  the  only  one  of  this  class  admitted  to 
competition  at  the  present  session.  The  inajority  of  the  Board 
estimates  it  as  follows  :  Its  capability  of  rapidity  of  fire  is 
conceded,  and  also  its  strength,  the  efficiency  of  the  retractor, 


45 

and  tlie  probaLle  low  cost  of  alteration.  Objection  is  made: 
1st.  To  the  sliding  movement  of  the  l)reech-bl()ck  on  account 
of  friction  and  wear;  2d.  To  the  eouiponnd  motion  in  opening 
and  closing  the  breech  ;  3d,  To  the  too  facile  detachment  of 
breech-block ;  and  -itli.  To  the  })ossibility  of  a  premature 
explosion  of  the  cartridge  should  the  firing  pin  be  jammed 
in  a  protruding  position.  General  Ward  dissents  from  the 
above  objections,  and  esteems  this  gun,  as  a  M'hole,  superior  to 
any  other  exhibited,  on  the  score  of  simplicity,  strength  and 
cheapness.  He  considers  that  the  loose  adjustment  of  the 
breech-block,  a  close  fit  being  unnecessary  and  indeed  inju- 
rious, overcomes  the  first  objection  of  his  colleagues  ;  that  the 
compound  motion  is  easy  and  practically  single  ;  and  that  tlie 
construction  of  the  hammer  and  firing  pin  in  one  piece,  and 
the  device  controlling  its  movement,  effectually  prevents  any 
danger  whatever  from  the  last  objection.  Finally,  that  in  his 
opinion  its  extreme  simplicity,  strength  and  ease  of  repair 
(there  being  no  small  pieces  or  screws  to  be  lost),  commend 
this  system  above  all  others  for  use  in  the  hands  of  troops. 

Cost  of  Cox  versions. 

In  accordance  with  paragraph  II  of  the  programme  of 
examination,  exhibitors  were  required  to  tender  sealed  pro- 
posals for  converting  the  muzzle-loading  arms  of  the  State 
upon  their  respective  systems,  accompanied  by  two  approved 
sureties  in  the  amount  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  conditioned 
that  if  the  proposals  were  accepted  before  the  first  day  of 
March,  1S68,  the  guns  would  be  converted  at  the  rates  named 
in  the  proposals.  This  course  was  adopted  to  secure  respon- 
sible and  reliable  proposals.  It  should  be  remarked  that 
exhibitors  generally  declared  that  the  prices  so  named  were 
estimated  for  tlic  specific  purpose,  and  not  intended  as  pub- 
lished rates  to  govern  or  be  taken  into  consideration  for  any 
other  purpose,  involving  probably  different  conditions. 


46 

The  sealed  proposals  were  opened,  and  the  following  is  an 
abstract  of  the  same  : 


Allin,* 

Berdan,f  . . , 
Conroy, .  . .  , 
Lam  son,  . . , 

Miller,    

Remington, 
Roberts,  . . , 


Per  gun  for  conversion  op 
10,000.        20,000.        30,000.        40,000. 


$6   15 

6   00 

10  00 

5  00 

6  50 
8  00 
6  00 


$6  25 

$6  15 

5  25 

5  00 

9  75 

9  50 

4  50 

4  25 

5  15 

5  50 

1   50 

1   50 

6  00 

5  15 

16  00 
4  75 
9  50 

4  00 

5  25 
7  00 
5  50 


The  exhibitor  of  the  Burton  gun  made  an  informal  estimate 
for  the  respective  numbers  of  guns,  as  above,  at  $6.00,  $4.50, 
$3.50,  and  $3.50;  but  not  furnishing  any  sureties,  the  above 
prices  could  not  be  considered  as  proposals. 

No  tender  was  made  for  the  manufacture  of  conversion  of 
guns  on  the  Needham  system. 

I}i  conclusion,  after  a  review  of  the  tests  and  a  dissection 
and  special  examination  of  the  several  guns,  the  following 
resolution,  7iem.  con.  was  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  after  careful  and  long  continued  examina- 
tion and  experiment,  and  in  consideration  of  the  combined 
qualities  of  strength,  durability,  safety,  ethciency  and  economy, 
this  Board  deems  the  Roberts  system  of  conversion  of  muzzle- 
loaders  into  breech-loaders  as  superior  to  all  others  examined, 
and  recommends  that  the  muzzle-loading  arms  owned  by 
the  State  be  converted  into  breech-loaders  upon  the  Roberts 
system. 

*  An  additional  sum  of  $2.50  for  reduction  of  calibre  by  introduction  of  a  tube  into  the 
barrel. 

t  The  prices  do  not  include  royalties  for  patent  rights,  which  were  not  estimated,  and  are 
inclusive  of  the  two  systems  of  guns  exhibited. 


47 


REDUCTION  OF  CALIBRE. 

At  the  close  of  the  previous  session  of  the  Board,  the  con- 
clusion (eleventh,  see  page  59  of  previous  report),  was  adverse 
to  the  reduction  of  calibre  of  barrel  by  "  reinforcement."  To 
quote  "  nor  is  the  Board  entirely  satisfied  that  the  processes, 
thus  far  adopted  for  such  reduction  of  calibre,  are  sucli  as  to 
secure  a  permanent  adhesion  of  the  two  tubes  after  prolonged 
service."  Since  that  time  a  Committee  of  the  Board,  consist- 
ing of  Colonels  Baker  and  Burt,  made  a  special  visit  to  the 
United  States  Armory  at  Springfield,  to  examine  tliis  process 
more  particularly,  and  received  through  the  courtesy  of  Col, 
Benton  (Ord.  Dept.  and  Superintendent  of  the  Armory),  every 
facility  for  sucli  purpose.  Upon  the  favorable  report  of  this 
Committee  and  other  examinations  and  evidences,  the  Board 
has  been  led  to  reconsider  its  former  decision.  A  gun  thus 
reinforced,  and  which  had  been  fired  several  thousand  times, 
was  exhibited  to  and  fired  by  the  Committee  at  Springfield, 
and  appeared  as  stable  and  accurate  as  a  new  gun.  Longitu- 
dinal and  cross  sections  of  the  reinforced  barrels  indicate  under 
the  magnifying  glass  the  firm  nnion  of  the  two  parts  by  an 
interposed  film  of  brass  so  thin  as  often  to  be  invisible  to  the 
unaided  eve.  The  irresistible  forces  of  nature  are  well  dem- 
onstrated  by  that  capillary  attraction  which  draws  the  fluid 
brass  between  two  metallic  surfaces  forced  into  the  closest 
juxtaposition,  and  this  very  tenuity  proves  a  source  of  dura- 
bility to  the  compound  tube,  as  presenting  a  minimum  resist- 
ance under  the  unequal  contractions  and  expansion  of  the  two 
metals.  The  Board  is  therefore  assured  of  the  success  of  the 
process  of  reinforcement,  and  has  had  occasion  to  confirm  and 
strengthen  its  opinion  as  to  the  superiority  of  the  reduced  cali- 
bre in  securing  range,  accuracy,  and  flatness  of  trajectory. 
In  addition  to  these  inherent  advantages  may  be  considered 
those  connected  with  identity  of  calibre  with  that  adopted  for 
the  army  and  navy  of  the  United  States,  and  which  will  pro- 
bably govern  in  the  armament  of  the  militia  of  other  States. 
An  exceptional  calibre  would  prove  disadvantageous,  not  only 


48 

in  its  relations  to  tliat  of  tlie  United  States,  but  in  its  discord 
with  future  purchases  of  arms  by  the  State.  Special  ammuni- 
tion would  be  more  costly  and  the  adoption  of  improved  car- 
tridges would  be  rendered  difficult  and  expensive,  as  the 
standard  calibre  only  would  be  manufactured,  except  by  spe- 
cial contract.  The  question  of  reduction  of  calibre  thus 
becomes  one  of  cost  simply,  and  the  conclusion  of  the  Board 
is  rendered  as  follows  : 

Resolved^  That  in  the  conversion  to  breech-loaders  of  the 
guns  now  owned  by  the  State,  the  reduction  of  the  calibre 
from  .58  inch  to  .50  inch,  by  the  process  known  as  "reinforce- 
ment," is  recommended ;  but  if  the  increased  cost  occasioned 
thereby  should  endanger  the  probability  of  a  speedy  conversion 
of  the  guns,  the  Board  advise  delay  in  the  reduction  of  the 
calibre,  as  the  vast  importance  of  an  immediate  adoption  of 
the  breech-loading  system  outweighs  all  other  considerations 
based  on  minor  details. 


CAKTEIDGES. 

!N^o  examination  of  breech-loading  arms  would  be  complete 
and  satisfactory  unless  comprehending  a  similar  and  careful 
examination  of  the  special  ammunition  adapted  to  such  arms. 
The  superiority  of  the  American  sj-stems  of  breech-loaders  is 
based  upon  the  use  of  the  metallic-case  cartridge,  Avhich  fur- 
nishes in  itself  the  most  complete  gas  check  yet  devised,  and 
possesses  other  peculiar  advantages  over  the  paper  or  clotl^- 
enveloped  cartridges.  The  Board  has  had  neither  opportunity 
nor  suitable  apparatus  to  make  such  experimental  trials  as 
thev  could  wish,  but  with  the  limited  means  at  its  command, 
has  given  the  subject  as  thorough  an  investigation  as  possible, 
and  submits  herewith  the  conclusions  it  has  formed. 

Matekial  of  Case. — The  superiority  of  the  brass  over  the 
copper  case  has  been  further  demonstrated  by  the  recent  trials. 
Through  the  soft,  jpladic  nature  of  the  latter  metal,  it  is  forced 
by  the  ex2:)losion  into  every  depression  in  the  chamber,  and 


49 

inclines  to  a  permanent  set  wliicli  resists  the  retraction  of  tlie 
case,  or,  in  certain  systems,  tlie  opening  of  the  breech.     Brass, 
on   account  of  its  ehisticity,  is  not  so  readily  affected,   and 
generally  resumes,  after  the  explosion,  its  original  form  and 
size.     The  j)roper  proportions  of  the  constituent  metals  in  the 
alloy,  should  be  determined  by  experiment,  so  as  to  secure  the 
best   practicable  combination  of  elasticity  and  strength.     In 
some  cartridges  consumed  by  the  Board,  the  brass  of  which 
the  cases  were  made  contained  too  large  a  proportion  of  zinc, 
forming  a  brittle   alloy,   which   occasionally  cracked    in    the 
processes  of  forming  the  shell.     The  defects  were  not  percep- 
tible until  revealed  by  the  ex|)losion.     The  brittleness  of  such 
an  alloy  also  occasions  crackino;  when  the  case  is  much  smaller 
than    the   chamber,  as   the  excessive   expansion   during   the 
explosion  exceeds  the  tenacity  of  the  metal.     By  the  use  of 
brass,  the  taper  of  the  case  need  not  and  should  not  exceed 
two  in  one  hundred,  and  should  be  uniform,  without  abrupt 
contractions,  either  to  secure  increased  calibre  of  chamber,  as 
compared  with  the  barrel,  or  for  "  crimping  on "  the  ball. 
Such  contractions  in  size  form  abrupt  offsets,  which  interfere 
with  the  easy  introduction  of  the  case  into  the  chamber.     The 
crimping  of  the  case  the  full  length  of  the  inserted  portion  of 
the  bullet  is  useless  and  objectionable,  as  occasioning  loss  of 
explosive  power  to  expand  it.      If  the  crimping  process  of 
securing  the  bullet  is  employed,  it   should  be  only  at  the 
extreme  end  of  the  case,  and  so  as  to  form  a  perfect  curve  to 
the  end  of  the  case.     Such  crimping  is,  however,  unnecessary, 
as  by  reaming  out  the  case  to  a  uniform  size,  the  bullet  can  be 
made  ta  tit  so  tightly  that  friction    alone  will  retain  it  in 
position. 

In  the  manufacture  of  cases  in  large  quantities,  constant  and 
rigid  inspection  will  be  necessary  to  secure  uniformity  of  size 
and  shape.  The  constant  wear  of  dies  and  stamps  gradually 
produces  a  change  of  form  and  size,  which,  when  exceeding 
prescribed  limits,  renders  necessary  a  renewal  of  such  portions 
of  the  machinerv  involving  an  increased  cost,  which  contractors 
will  naturally  avoid,  unless  compelled  by  such  an  inspection  as 
7 


50 

involves  the  ganging  of  each  case,  and  condemnation  nnless  in 
accordance  with  specifications. 

Locatio:n-  and  security  of  Fulmixate. — The  principle  of 
"  center-fire,"  as  recommended  in  previous  report,  is  adhered 
to,  and  further  consideration  has  strengthened  the  views  of  the 
Board  on  this  point.  In  addition  to  the  advantages  of  this 
system,  previously  mentioned,  is  the  greater  security  of  the 
fulminate  as  compared  with  the  rim-fire  system.  In  the  latter, 
after  complete  desiccation  of  the  fuhninate  by  long-continued 
storage,  the  violent  percussion  and  agitation  of  rough  trans- 
portation tends  to  detach  tlie  ring  of  fulminate,  which  simply 
adheres  to  the  rim  of  the  cartridge.  In  the  center-fire  cart- 
ridge, the  fulminate  may  be  secured  either  in  the  head  or  the 
anvil,  so  that  no  i30ssible  agitation  would  disturb  it. 

It  has  been  asserted  that  contact  with  brass  is  injurious  to 
the  fulminate,  through  chemical  action,  though  no  direct  evi- 
dence of  such  fact  has  been  placed  before  the  Board,  but 
should  it  prove  true,  there  is  a  probability  that  methods  of 
preparation,  either  of  the  metallic  surface  or  the  fulminate, 
would  be  invented  to  obviate  the  difficulty.  The  past  experi- 
ence has  been  confined  to  fulminate  on  copper,  and  the  use  of 
the  ordinary  percussion  cap  for  forty  years  has  proven  the 
permanency  of  such  association,  under  all  contingencies,  when 
the  fulminate  has  been  protected  from  moisture.  In  the  use 
of  the  brass  case,  it  is  not  necessary  that  the  fulminate  should 
be  placed  directly  upon  the  head  of  the  case,  in  fact,  it  is 
preferably  placed  a  slight  distance  from  the  head,  to  avoid 
explosion  from  ordinary  percussion  and  requiring  the  strong 
blow  of  the  firing-pin  to  explode  it.  It  may  therefore  be 
placed  in  the  anvil  or  reinforcement  disc.  In  cartridges  with 
percussion  caps  outside  the  case  and  punctured  heads  for  the 
transmission  of  the  fla.me,  the  same  security  is  obtained.  It  is 
probable  that  means  will  be  devised  to  hermetically  secure  the 
fulminate  in  some  protective  envelop  which  will  insure  it  from 
deterioration  by  dampness  or  chemical  agencies.  In  regard 
to  external  priming  or  location  of  the  fulminate  outside  the 


51 

case,  -while  concedino;  certain  advantaj'cs  in  reloadinjy  the 
cases,  the  Board  are  not  convinced  of  its  advantages  as  com- 
pared M'ith  tlie  internal  priming.  Loss  of  the  percussion  cap 
and  leakage  of  gas  at  the  cap  oriliee  may  readily  result  from 
imperfect  numufacture. 

Point  of  Ignition  of  Powder. — One  of  the  points  of  supe- 
riority claimed  in  the  Prussian  Needle-gun  system,  is  the 
ignition  of  the  powder  at  the  forward  end  of  the  cartridge,  by 
which  it  is  represented,  a  more  perfect  and  regular  combustion 
is  attained.  Several  cartridges  have  been  exhibited  to  the 
Board,  in  which  ignition  was  made  in  the  center  of  the  mass 
of  powder  and  also  at  the  forward  end.  The  Board  is  not 
convinced  that  any  advantages  are  obtained  by  these  means 
over  ignition  at  the  rear  end,  certainly  not  in  the  experiments 
before  the  Board.  "With  powder  burning  slowly,  either  on 
account  of  coarseness  of  grain  or  inferiority  of  cpiality,  or  with 
a  large  charge  in  a  short  barrel,  ignition  in  front  might  be 
advantageous,  but  with  seventy  grains  of  good  powder  (F.), 
burned  from  the  rear  in  a  thirtv-six  inch  barrel,  the  result  of 
experiment  thus  far  shows  that  all  the  powder  is  consumed  in 
the  barrel,  and  with  a  maximum  useful  effect.  Accurate 
experiments  as  to  initial  velocity,  penetration,  &c.,  with  dif- 
ferent points  of  ignition,  and  using  different  qualities  and 
charges  of  powder  in  barrels  of  different  lengths,  might  be  pro- 
fitable in  settling  finally  a  question  now  somewhat  debateable. 

Form  of  Chamber. — The  increase  of  calibre  of  the  cham- 
ber in  order  to  diminish  the  length  of  the  cartridge,  with 
calibre  of  barrels  of  .58  and  .50,  is  condemned.  To  secure 
equal  strength,  the  diameter  of  the  breech  must  be  largely 
increased,  while  the  reaction  of  the  gas  against  the  shoulder 
in  the  chamber  greatly  augments  the  force  of  recoil  which 
presses  against  a  greater  area  of  face  in  the  breech-block,  with 
consequently  increased  danger  of  derangement.  A  chamber 
more  conical  than  hitherto  indicated,  i.  e.,  with  a  greater  con- 
traction than  two  in  one  hundred,  is,  for  the  same  reason, 
disadvantageous. 


52 

Heixfoecement  of  HexVd  of  Cartridge-Case. — The  rein- 
forcement of  the  head  of  the  cartridge-case,  by  the  introduc- 
tion of  a  metallic  disc  or  cup,  is  commended  as  practically 
neutralizino;  all  danger  from  weak  or  defective  heads.  In 
spite  of  the  greatest  care  in  the  selection  of  metal  and  the 
most  thorough  inspection  of  the  completed  cases,  defective 
ones  will  occasionally  pass  undetected  till  exposed  by  explo- 
sion in  the  gun.  Such  defects  are  dangerous  only  in  the  head, 
as  the  experiments  show  that  bursting  or  cracking  of  the  sides 
is  harmless,  and  it  remains  only  to  protect  the  head.  A  shal- 
low cup  of  light  metal,  or  a  disc  of  heavier  metal  (serving 
also  as  an  anvil),  is  a  sufficient  reiiiforcement,  in  connection 
with  which  the  location  of  fulminate  and  communication  of 
its  flame  to  the  powder  are  important  points.  As  brass,  from 
its  superior  stiftness,  offers  more  resistance  than  copper  to  the 
blow  of  the  firing-pin,  it  might  be  well  in  the  manufacture  of 
the  cases,  by  the  use  of  proper  dies,  to  reduce  the  thickness  of 
the  head  in  the  center,  the  surplus  metal  being  distributed  to 
advantage  over  the  remainder  of  the  head.  The  employment 
of  the  reinforcement  cup  or  disc,  by  suj)porting  the  head,  ren- 
ders unnecessary  the  use  of  an  anvil,  which  was  difficult  to 
secure,  and  served  but  the  sole  purposes  of  impact. 

Powder. — In  the  late  experiments  the  Board  prescribed 
the  use  of  the  Orange  Rifle  Powder  (F  G),  as  previous  trials 
had  proven  its  superior  qualities,  and  it  was  desirable  that  all 
competitors  should  be  subject  to  conditions  as  similar  as  pos- 
sible. The  results  of  the  recent  trials  induce  no  modification 
of  the  favorable  opinion  of  this  powder  as  previously  expressed. 
After  firing  one  hundred  rounds  of  seventy  grains  each,  the 
residuum  left  in  the  barrel,  and  before  deliquescence,  weighed 
less  than  a  grain,  while  the  United  States  musket  powder, 
consumed  in  occasional  trials,  fouled  the  barrels  excessively. 
The  Orange  Pifle  Powder  is  made  from  the  same  formula,  as 
to  proportions  of  ingredients,  as  prescribed  by  the  United 
States  Ordnance  Department  for  musket  powder,  but  the 
ingredients  are  carefully  selected  and  the  nitre  more  highly 
purified,  resulting  in  a  more  perfect  chemical  combination  in 


53 

combustion.  The  graininp;,  also,  is  more  uniform,  a  smaller 
range  of  sizes  being  allowed  ;  the  grains  are  dense  and  well 
glazed  by  attrition,  no  graphite  being  used,  and  resist  strong 
grinding  pressure  without  being  crushed  or  soiling  the  fingers. 
The  granulation,  which  is  coarse,  would  appear  to  be  perfectly 
adapted  to  a  charge  of  seventy  grains  in  a  thirty-six  inch  bar- 
rel, as  the  powder  was  in  all  cases  consumed  in  the  barrel. 
The  Board  had  no  opportunity  to  test  the  relative  strength  of 
this  powder,  but  have  no  reason  to  doubt  its  sufficiency  in 
such  respect,  as  its  cleanliness  and  perfect  combustion  would 
indicate  a  high  standard.  The  breech-loading  system,  com- 
bined with  the  metallic  cartridge-case,  introduces  new  condi- 
tions as  to  powder,  which  is  now  protected  from  mechanical 
deterioration  by  the  substitution  of  a  rigid  metallic  tube  for 
the  paper  or  cloth  envelope,  and  is  not  crushed  and  mealed  in 
loading.  Thus  secured,  the  best  and  cleanest  powder  is  the 
most  economical  in  every  respect.  While  estimating  so  highly 
the  Orange  Powder,  the  Board  disclaims  any  intention  to 
depreciate  that  of  other  manufacturers,  which  it  has  had  no 
opportunity  to  test. 

There  is  a  question  as  to  the  chemical  stability  of  powder 
in  metallic  cartridge-cases  long  in  store,  and  exposed  to  clim- 
atic extremes  of  heat  and  atmospheric  moisture,  which  can 
only  be  determined  by  experience. 

Projectile. — Much  has  yet  to  be  determined  relative  to  the 
best  form  of  projectile  for  breech-loading  arms.  Certain 
general  principles  established  in  regard  to  projectiles  for 
muzzle-loading  arms,  remain  applicable  to  breech-loaders,  and 
in  fact  are  capable  of  further  deveh^pment  or  facility  of  appli- 
cation, while  manv  devices  are  rendered  unnecessarv.  The 
various  expedients  adopted  to  make  the  bullet  take  the  rifling 
in  muzzle-loaders,  such  as  the  tigl\  the  culot,  the  Minie  and 
other  systems,  are  needless,  and  the  bullet  is  placed  in  position 
un deformed  by  the  ramrod.  This  ability  to  preserve  the  pro- 
portions and  symmetry  of  the  projectile  until  the  moment  of 
pi'opulsion,  by  the  explosion  of  the  powder,  renders  the 
development  of  those  points  important  and  profitable,  and 


54- 

transfers  attention  to  their  preservation  in  tlie  passage  of  tlie 
projectile  tlirougli  the  barrel.  The  present  bnllet  nsed  in  the 
United  States  breech-loaders  of  .50  calibre,  is  .52  inch  in 
diameter  in  its  cjdindrical  portion,  which  is  two-thirds  to 
three-quarters  the  entire  length  ;  the  diameter  of  the  bullet 
thus  exceeds  by  .005  inch  the  maximum  diameter  of  the  bore 
measured  across  the  grooves.  This  excess  of  diameter  over 
calibre,  called  "  slugging,"  carried  to  such  extent,  produces 
great  friction  ;  and  in  frequent  and  rapid  firing,  such  leading 
of  the  barrel  as  not  only  to  impair  the  efficiency  of  the  arm, 
but  endanger  the  person  firing ;  nor  can  these  evil  effects  be 
overcome  by  lubrication,  though  mitigated  thereby.  The 
leading  and  fouling  of  guns  by  the  combined  influences  of 
great  "  slugging,"  inferior  powder  and  inadequate  lubrication, 
were  strongly  demonstrated  by  the  tests  of  the  Lamson  and 
Ilubbell  guns  at  the  previous  trials,  and  of  the  latter  arm  at 
the  present  session. 

The  form  of  projectile  recently  introduced  into  the  Chasse- 
pot  system,  marks  a  large  advance  in  the  right  direction.  The 
general  diameter  is  made  the  same  as  the  calibre  of  the  gun, 
but  gradually  increasing  from  the  center  to  the  rear,  where  it 
terminates  in  a  band  .14  inch  wide,  and  havino-  a  diameter 
equal  to  the  calibre  plus  twice  the  depth  of  the  rifle  grooves. 
It  is  found  that  this  bullet  takes  the  rifling  well,  and  with  a 
minimum  of  friction,  while  it  is  not  spun  out  or  deformed  in 
its  passage  through  the  barrel.  It  is  slightly  njyset  or  com- 
pressed longitudinally  by  the  explosion,  and  sufficiently  to 
prevent  any  windage.     It  has  no  grooves. 

Two  officers  of  the  Russian  Army,  Col.  Alex.  Gorloff  and 
Capt.  Carl  Hunnius,  now  in  this  country  for  the  purpose  of 
examining  breech-loading  arms,  have,  during  the  past  year, 
made  many  experiments,  with  a  view  of  improving  tlie  accu- 
racy of  fire  with  metallic-case  cartridii-es.  These  gentlemen 
have  kindly  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Board  a  minute  of 
their  experiments.  Taking  as  a  basis  the  Berdan  cartridge,  as 
adapted  to  a  .45  calibre  gun,  they  increased  the  charge  to 
eighty  grains  of  quick-burning  powder  (Orange  Ducking  Pow- 


der,  Xo.  3)  and  415  grains  of  lead.  This  large  cliargc  with  a 
small  calihrc  requires  a  brass  cartridge  case  2.2  inches  in 
length.  The  jirojectile  is  made  upon  the  same  general  princi- 
ple as  the  Cliassepot  mentioned  above,  except  that  it  has  four 
peculiarly  shaped  grooves  around  it,  which  not  only  assist  in 
preserving  the  line  of  flight,  but  facilitate  the  upsetting  or 
compression  in  iiring.  The  mouth  of  the  case  is  reamed  out 
by  machinery,  so  as  to  accurately  center  the  projectile,  which 
closely  fits  into  it  .2  inch,  and  requires  no  crim2:)ing  to  retain 
it  in  place ;  thus  neither  the  case  nor  projectile  is  deformed, 
nor  is  any  force  wastefully  expended  in  exj)anding  the  former 
to  relieve  the  latter.  ■  With  this  ammunition  and  a  gun  hav- 
ing a  barrel  36  inches  in  length,  with  a  rifle  twist  of  one  revo- 
lution in  twenty-four  inches,  depth  of  rifle  .01  inch,  and  with 
six  grooves  and  six  lands  of  equal  width,  and  a  range  of  150 
yards  "  the  radius  of  the  circle  drawn  on  the  target  from  cen- 
ter of  impact,  so  as  to  contain  one-half  of  the  bullets  flred,  is 
2.2  inches,  while  the  best  muzzle-loaders,  as  the  Swiss  military 
gun,  has  this  radius  equal  to  3.72  inches,  and  the  AVhitworth 
gun  5.28  inches."  A  very  flat  trajectory  and  high  initial 
velocity  (1,600  feet)  are  claimed  for  this  cartridge.  Hitherto, 
it  would  have  been  predicted  that  such  a  large  charge  of  quick- 
burning  powder,  combined  with  rapid  twist  and  slight  increase 
of  diameter  of  bullet  over  calibre,  would  inevitably  produce 
stripping.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  further  experiments  will  be 
made  in  regard  to  the  several  points  involved  in  the  results 
attained  by  Col.  Gorlofl". 

It  is  at  least  determined  by  the  Cliassepot  experiments  that 
the  rifle  revolution  can  be  given  to  the  projectile  with  less 
disflgurement  and  loss  by  friction  than  had  been  supposed. 
Col.  Gorloff''s  experiments  also  determine  the  best  method  of 
securing  the  projectile  in  the  case  and  centering  it  in  the  bore 
of  the  gun.  Both  the  Chassepot  and  Gorlofl"  pi-ojectile  have 
liemispherical  heads,  the  paraboloid  form  having  been  aban- 
doned at  the  risk  of  consequent  increase  in  atmospheric  resist- 
ance. 

Although  the  great  improvements  in  both  arms  and  projec- 


56 

tiles  have  increased  the  range  and  accuracy  of  fire,  no  advance 
gained  in  the  past,  and  applicable  now,  should  be  abandoned. 
Such  is  the  constant  and  homogenous  density  ot  metal  in  the 
projectile  attained  by  compression.  The  Board  has  witnessed 
the  operation  of  Naylor's  improved  machine  for  compressing 
and  grooving  bullets,  manufactured  for  the  French  Govern- 
ment by  Mr.  Jas.  E.  Grannis  of  this  city,  and  was  impressed 
by  the  perfection  and  rapidity  of  its  action. 

Lubrication. — In  the  previous  report  the  Board  laid  great 
stress  upon  the  proper  and  adequate  lubrication  of  the  barrel, 
and  recent  experiments  have  confirmed  the  opinion  that  it  is 
essential  in  breech-loading  arms.  Tlie  most  efiicient  method 
of  accomplishing  it  is,  however,  yet  to  be  determined,  and 
will  naturally  depend  upon  the  system  of  cartridge.  For  the 
actual  application  of  the  lubricant.  Ball's  patent  machine  is 
commended,  the  tallow  or  other  substance  or  compound  being 
•applied  to  the  projectile  in  a  cold  or  congealed  state. 

Conclusions. — As  regards  form  of  case,  reinforcement  of 
head,  and  location  and  security  of  fulminate,  the  Board 
recommends : 

JFor  target  jpractice,  the  Berdan  cartridge,  which  can  be 
readil}^  reloaded,  being  an  external  primer. 

For  active  service  and  general  use,  the  Powers  cartridge, 
which  combines  the  principles  of  internal  and  protected 
fulminate,  and  reinforcement  of  the  head,  without  use  of  an 
anvil. 


TAKGET  PRACTICE. 

The  Board  begs  leave,  before  closing  this  report,  to  offer  a 
suggestion  as  to  the  expediency  of  a  thorough  system  of  target 
practice  for  the  National  Guard.  This  exercise,  which  has 
gradually  fallen  into  disuse  in  this  country,  has  been  revived 
abroad,  and  in  England  especially  has  served  not  only  the 
direct  purpose  of  educating  the  young  men  of  the  nation  in 


57 

the  ;iccui-;irf  iisi-  itt"  sinus,  hut  lias  .stiiniilatcd  in;irti;il  nrtlor. 
and  iii\('n  to  tlic  \ oliintocr  coi-ps.  cliaracter.  rsjirii  (l>-  corps 
and  a  world-wiilc  reputation.  Tlit'  lal)orions  winter  drills  of 
oiii-  Xationai  (-fuard  sei'\  e  an  excellent  end,  l)nt  the  nitiniate 
l)ur|)ose  of  the  soldier  is  the  eti'ective  use  of  his  \vea]>ons,  and 
while  we  dix'ijiliiie  and  drill  liim  in  all  the  nian<eu\res  that 
eonteni]ihite  him  solely  as  the  fraction  of  a  tactical  whole,  we 
should  not  ncii'lect  the  individual  instruction  as  a  marksman, 
to  which  all  other  drill  is  nuM'ely  auxiliary,  and  which  alone 
reudei's  him  fornudahle  when  detached,  and  aUo  actinjj.-  in 
hostile  concert  with  his  tellows.  Accuracy  of  lire  i>  especiallv 
desirable  in  the  use  of  hrei'chdoailiui:'  arms,  as  cond)ined  with 
ra])iditv  of  tire  and  loui;;  range,  it  gives  thi>  im])ro\('d  wea])on 
tlie  full  measure  of  its  extraordinarily  (U'sti'ucti\  e  power.  The 
Kuii'lish  s\stem  wouhl  furnish  the  model  and  genei'al  details 
upon  wliieh  could  be  based  a  system  more  particularly  adapted 
to  our  requirements. 

GEO.  AV.   PALMKK, 

Com.-Gen'l  Onl.  S.  .\ .    )'. 

W.  G.  AVARD, 

Brigadier-  General. 

GEO.  M.  BAKER, 
Col.  Com.  Uth  Regt.  N.  G.  S.  ^.    )'. 

SILAS  AV.  BURT, 

Col.  ct"  Asd.  /n!<pector-Gen''l. 


GENERAL  HEAD-QUARTERS,  STATE  OF  NEW  VOHK, 

AoJUTANT-GKiVERAL's    OfFICE,  J 

ALBANY;  March  21th,  1868.      i' 
GENERAL    ORDERS,  ] 

No.  7.  f 

The  Board  of  Officers,  constituted  by  Special  Orders  No.  2,  series  of 
1867,  to  make  an  examination  of  breech-loading  arras  and  report  the  result 
of  said  examination  to  these  Head-Quarters,  having  completed  their  labors 
and  rendered  a  final  report  thereof  with  their  decision,  is  hereby  dissolved. 

The  Commander-in-Chief  desires  to  return  his  thanks  to  the  members 
comprising  the  Board  for  the  zeal,  energy  and  indefatigableaess  which  have 
prompted  them  in  the  difficult  and  arduous  task  entrusted  to  them,  and  for 
the  desire  manifested  to  make  their  examination  thorough  and  for  the  great- 
est good  to  the  interest  and  advancement  of  the  Militia  of  the  State. 

The  examinations  of  the  Board  have  been  attended  by  the  representa- 
tives of  several  Foreign  Governments,  who  have  expressed  themselves  as 
greatly  pleased  with  the  results  following  the  same,  and  who  liave  been 
enabled  to  form  a  more  correct  judgment  of  the  science  of  tliis  class  of 
arms;  and  also  many  imj^rovements  to  our  own  inventors  who  have  exhib- 
ited their  skill  and  labor,  have  been  suggested  by  the  experiments  made  by 
the  Board. 

By  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief. 

S.  E.  MARVIN, 

Adjutant- General. 


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